Weight-Loss Odd Question.. Can Someone Help Me Figure Out Calories?

Weight-Loss
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Sarin

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Hey everyone. I am usually very good at looking at a certain food and knowing how many calories are in it.. But when it comes to Chinese food, all I can sa is "a lot".

I plan on having a "cheat" meal with family at the local Chinese Buffet. But I still want to be consious about what I am putting into my body. I always have about the same thing everytime I go and I just cannot estimate the calories I take in. Any help? I used to go all out but have changed what I choose to eat. But I always have to have the dessert!


Large Bowl of Won Ton Soup - 6 or 7 Noodles
Maybe 2 Cups of Broccoli and Cauliflower (But I pick these out of the dishes that have sauce in them. So the veggies are covered in high calorie sauces. This is what I have the most trouble on.)
Two Chicken Balls with 1 TBSP Sweet and Sour Sauce
Two Pieces of General's Chicken (2-3" Pieces)

5 ish Scoops of Ice Cream
5 Strawberries
1/2 Cup Chocolate Pudding


I know this is very vague but if I can get some estimates I will be able to work around this much better with little effect. Thanks!
 
I usually put any generic meal at a restaurant at 1,000 calories. Whether it's too high or not, I find that it works well most of the time. So I'd say you're looking at about 1,000 calories for the main, and if I had to guess, I'd say the dessert is another 500. So total, 1,500. It sounds like a lot, but I make sure that I never make the mistake of underestimating like so many of us do. However, what would you say to 2 scoops of ice cream instead of 5? That'd take your count down to about 1,250.
Hope this helps.
 
I think that may be underestimating a bit? But I tend to over estimate my calories a bit. So who knows. Thanks for the input!

And I will NEVER cut down on the ice cream. LOL. When I cheat I like to have my dessert... I know I am bad. They have the best ice cream.
 
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So, I think (depending on scoop size) - the ice cream alone is 1200 calories...

Looks like the soup may be around 300 calories, veggies in sauce + chicken may be another 200-300... General's chicken maybe 150 or so, another 300 for the pudding... I'm not sure you need to add in the 5 strawberries at this point ;) I think you're nearing 2500 calories - that's one heck of a splurge! :D
 
I searched online and this is what I came up with:

8 oz Broth & 7 Won Tons = 285 Calories
2 Cups Stir Fried Veggies = 200 Calories
2 Chicken Balls = 110 Calories
2 TBSP Sweet & Sour Sauce = 30 Calories
2 Pieces Generals Chicken = 50 Calories
5 Scoops Ice Cream = 500 Calories
1/2 Cup Peaches = 70 Calories
5 Strawberries = 20 Calories
1/2 Cup Chocolate Pudding = 100 Calories

Main: 675

Dessert: 690


Total: 1365

The scoops are maybe 1-2 oz. They are those old fashioned small steel scoopers. I probably get about 2 cups of ice cream total, if that.

I see our estimations are way off. This is why I am having such a hard time.

So... Now what? LOL.
 
I guess I will have to estimate 1500 calories an an average then. That's a huge splurge.. Darn Chinese Food.

Thanks guys. Hopefully it doesn't do too much to me! Hey, it's a lot better then what I used to eat at this restaurant. I was probably downing 3000+ Calories...
 
Seems to me like "meeting in the middle" of 2500 and 1300 wouldn't be 1500, it would be closer to 2000.

**edit** 1300 +2500/2 = 1900 cals
 
I really do believe 2500 calories is way over estimating. But who knows.

But either way I am going way over my maintenance. I suppose that is why they call them cheat meals. :)
 
If you're only getting tiny scoops of ice cream that cuts my estimate down by a lot :D I have a tendency to overestimate rather than under just because if I see 'Holy crap, I just HOW MUCH?? it makes me feel like I'd better stay on track for a while ;)

I do think 2500 is definitely high if you're eating only 10 oz of ice cream. I'd probably revise to closer to 1900 - that still might be high, but again, that works for me. But most importantly, enjoy every bite! :D
 
Thanks! I only do this once in a blue moon so I suppose it wont hurt. What sucks is that Thanksgiving is this Sunday as well, then Halloween.. Christmas.. Wish me luck. :blush5:

Thanks for the help!!
 
Why don't you explain to the restaurant that you would like to sample a healthy alternative to your usual order. Most places are happy to half the sugar/salt/fat at the customers request. This way you can eat a satisfying meal with your family without the guilt. How far away is the restaurant? Maybe you could walk there and back??
Try not to use holidays as an excuse. Perhaps tell yourself that by cutting back on those 3 days you are even closer to wearing a knockout outfit at next years thanksgiving etc...... Why set yourself back so far for just 3 seperate events. Just fill up on very low cal and then very small portions of the 'treats' and try and keep within your calorie limit.
Good luck though Sarin, I am sure you will do fine! I love chinese food. I make my own now so I know whats in it, its like coccaine for fat people though :(
 
It is a buffet. But I NEVER thought about asking those things at restaurants. Thanks for the suggestion!

I am basically just trying to lose my last few pounds and maintaining that weight. So I am not too far off. I just like to "cheat"... I don't like to deprive myself. BUT you make a very valid point.

I will try my best to not go too overboard for the Holidays. To be honest sometimes it just isn't worth it. But sometimes you just got to splurge! :)

I think I am doing a lot better then I used to. Before I would get a full plate of deep fried meat, generals chicken, noodles, and have cake and cookies along with the ice cream. Yikes!

Now I try to fill up on soup and vegetables... But I just can't stay away from that ice cream. :eek:
 
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Sarin said:
I really do believe 2500 calories is way over estimating. But who knows.
Click to expand...

I doubt it. I had a chinese meal a few months back (drank water and no desert) and I kept score......................over 4,000 calories(!).

It adds up really fast. And that's to say nothing of the salt overload.
 
Iain1974 said:
I doubt it. I had a chinese meal a few months back (drank water and no desert) and I kept score......................over 4,000 calories(!).

It adds up really fast. And that's to say nothing of the salt overload.
Click to expand...

Chinese food can add up, that is why I am filling up on soup and stir fry vegetables. What am I saying though, it's the dessert that is really doing it for me.


Toddless said:
Ah yes, the far off world of Canada. Forgive my ignorance, Thanksgiving was always taught as an American holiday.
Click to expand...

No problem. It is a Holiday for both of us, we just happen to have it in mid October instead of late November. Why? I have no idea.
 
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