How cool is this?

[sorenkkg]

So, I was checking out burger king b/c they have sweet potato fries now (or limited time?) and not sure if the US site is like this, but the Canadian site has this feature where you can "add" a menu item (and when you're on the item, you can see full nutrition info at the click of a button... including the limited time items)... And you can "build a meal"

so i added the new pulled pork sandwich (470 cal, 61g carbs) and the small sweet potato fries (290 cal, 36g carbs) and when I click on "my items" I thought I'd see just a price listing but NO! No price, just the total cals for the "meal" and carbs and allergens.

I think this is huge progress in the world of fast food! I haven't eaten at BK in probably 10yrs, but I think this is nifty, and easier to use than their PDF (which most sites have, and I'm happy with it, but this is better).

Anyway, just when you think things couldn't get any cooler, they do!

Your intrepid reporter, over and out.
S.

[akilah]

I love fast food sites that have those tools!! It really helps you make better choices, or being able to say "wait i can work this into my calorie budget!" lol

[hot-in-texas]

i sooo love that!! I have a burger king gift cardfor $25 , so i'm gonna check this out.
Jimmy Johns and Einstein's bagels have something like that too

[KeirasMom]

Several fast food places do that now. I often use the Panda Express meal builder (just did today as a matter of fact). It makes it so easy!

[mom23kids]

Mcdonalds website does this too, it's awesome!

[LoCarbGal]

Very cool! I just noticed this and McD's this morning too (checking out the Shamrock Shake )!

[jaymar]

Thankyou, our investigative reporter and news anchor....well we do need one and you qualify, I believe...So Burger King has pulled pork,,wow..I must try that , it's a favorite of mine...and I didnt' even know..wendy's used to have the sweet potato fries..but no longer...my local Mcdonalds said last week that their shake machine was broken, so couldn't get my once a year Shamrock shake..I will trade the shake for a pulled pork sandwich anytime tho.

[sorenkkg]

Originally Posted by LoCarbGal

Very cool! I just noticed this and McD's this morning too (checking out the Shamrock Shake )!

Happy to be of service!

Speaking of shake (which that above emoticon is)... YES, I was checking those out too... I don't think I've had one since maybe 1977... I think Saturday's UD is going to be my day! And maybe the sweetpotato fries from BK (though there isn't one close, so we'll have to drive for a bit to find one)...

I'm going to go plan my calories for Saturday to incorporate these! LOL

ETA-- OMG, a small shamrock shake is 530 calories OMG OMG OMG that's insane!
don't ask about the medium or large... wow. wow wow wow.

wow.

[Shari4]

Subway has that feature on their website! It really helps me when I plan a salad. I rarely eat a sub......too much bread for me! But, DH & DS love 'em!!

[JMBM]

So grateful for those tools. Where I struggle are places like Mexican restaurants and places like that. I've been just doing searches on calories in a burrito, taco, and other items like that, but not restaurants are the same. Just wondered if there were any good tips for places like that? I found a website that has several places listed, but if it's not a chain then it's not listed so I just have a hard time figuring calories for places like that and wondered what to do? I love Mexican so any suggestions?

[sorenkkg]

JM-- the way I do it, is this: knowing what you know about the food served at chains, compare the food at the non-chain restaurant to that, to the best of your ability.

So, is the taco more like restaurant X or restaurant Y.

If you cook at home, and know your amounts well, you could also maybe look in a taco (say) and know that looks to be about 2oz of ground beef ... but ya, you won't know the % fat, which has a big impact on ground beef.

When I'm really unsure, I do sometimes ask the waitress to ask the kitchen. A restaurant I go to, which is a chain, didn't have something listed (the extra chicken you can have on a salad). So I asked, and it was 5oz grilled, and I was able to find that in my tracker.

Worst come to worst (and ymmv on this): but on an UD, one estimated meal now and then won't wipe you off the face of the map. It's good to do what you can, but don't make yourself crazy.

S.

[Becky]

Originally Posted by LoCarbGal

Very cool! I just noticed this and McD's this morning too (checking out the Shamrock Shake )!

Nooooooo! don't check out the shamrock shake! A small has 500 calories!! I used to love those things...anything minty is a friend to me.

[Becky]

Originally Posted by sorenkkg

Happy to be of service!

Speaking of shake (which that above emoticon is)... YES, I was checking those out too... I don't think I've had one since maybe 1977... I think Saturday's UD is going to be my day! And maybe the sweetpotato fries from BK (though there isn't one close, so we'll have to drive for a bit to find one)...

I'm going to go plan my calories for Saturday to incorporate these! LOL

ETA-- OMG, a small shamrock shake is 530 calories OMG OMG OMG that's insane!
don't ask about the medium or large... wow. wow wow wow.

wow.

Hehe! Didn't notice this post when I posted my reply, the large is 900+ calories!!

Crazy, but yummy!

[JMBM]

Originally Posted by sorenkkg

JM-- the way I do it, is this: knowing what you know about the food served at chains, compare the food at the non-chain restaurant to that, to the best of your ability.

So, is the taco more like restaurant X or restaurant Y.

If you cook at home, and know your amounts well, you could also maybe look in a taco (say) and know that looks to be about 2oz of ground beef ... but ya, you won't know the % fat, which has a big impact on ground beef.

When I'm really unsure, I do sometimes ask the waitress to ask the kitchen. A restaurant I go to, which is a chain, didn't have something listed (the extra chicken you can have on a salad). So I asked, and it was 5oz grilled, and I was able to find that in my tracker.

Worst come to worst (and ymmv on this): but on an UD, one estimated meal now and then won't wipe you off the face of the map. It's good to do what you can, but don't make yourself crazy.

S.

So just get it as close as you can and don't sweat it? Makes sense.

[LoCarbGal]

Originally Posted by sorenkkg

ETA-- OMG, a small shamrock shake is 530 calories OMG OMG OMG that's insane!
don't ask about the medium or large... wow. wow wow wow.

wow.

Originally Posted by Becky

Nooooooo! don't check out the shamrock shake! A small has 500 calories!! I used to love those things...anything minty is a friend to me.

Originally Posted by Becky

Hehe! Didn't notice this post when I posted my reply, the large is 900+ calories!!

Crazy, but yummy!

I know, I know! But one time this year I'm going to budget it in and have one. I'll decide the size that day. I am going to have them leave off the whipped cream and cherry (hey, it helps a little!)

[sorenkkg]

Originally Posted by LoCarbGal

I know, I know! But one time this year I'm going to budget it in and have one. I'll decide the size that day. I am going to have them leave off the whipped cream and cherry (hey, it helps a little!)

Oh, there's whipped cream? Clearly, that's like 400 cals right there...

[Kimmietoo]

Originally Posted by sorenkkg

JM-- the way I do it, is this: knowing what you know about the food served at chains, compare the food at the non-chain restaurant to that, to the best of your ability.

So, is the taco more like restaurant X or restaurant Y.

If you cook at home, and know your amounts well, you could also maybe look in a taco (say) and know that looks to be about 2oz of ground beef ... but ya, you won't know the % fat, which has a big impact on ground beef.

When I'm really unsure, I do sometimes ask the waitress to ask the kitchen. A restaurant I go to, which is a chain, didn't have something listed (the extra chicken you can have on a salad). So I asked, and it was 5oz grilled, and I was able to find that in my tracker.

Worst come to worst (and ymmv on this): but on an UD, one estimated meal now and then won't wipe you off the face of the map. It's good to do what you can, but don't make yourself crazy.

S.

Great info, Soren! Thanks!

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by JMBM

So grateful for those tools. Where I struggle are places like Mexican restaurants and places like that. I've been just doing searches on calories in a burrito, taco, and other items like that, but not restaurants are the same. Just wondered if there were any good tips for places like that? I found a website that has several places listed, but if it's not a chain then it's not listed so I just have a hard time figuring calories for places like that and wondered what to do? I love Mexican so any suggestions?

In a Mexican restaurant, I always order fajitas with a side of guacamole and a side of salsa and ignore the side dishes. But I watch carbs as much as calories.

[jaymar]

OMG...those shakes are that much?..oh wow...well thanks for checking it out, Soren..cause I really shouldn't have one..so I guess it was an omen that my local McD's has a broken machine..oh..and you have not had one since 1977?..
wow,...so you had one while you were still in your high chair, right?,. cause I would have guessed you were born about then..well, as they say..onward and downward..it seems I have just got my heart set on losing this weight..I have to visit relatives out of state this summer, and one of them..she used to go into the room I had, and she would look at my clothes that I'd hung up in the closet to see what size they were..,she didn't know that I ever found out..so I thought..well if I could lose a nice chunk before summer, I would replace some tags with much smaller size numbers, and really get her goat..I am a pretty good practical joker, but really...I have never thought it was funny that she did that to me and then spread it around the family..so..payback seems appropriate.

[shirlc]

Originally Posted by svenskamae

In a Mexican restaurant, I always order fajitas with a side of guacamole and a side of salsa and ignore the side dishes. But I watch carbs as much as calories.

This is what I do, also. I'm allowing myself a lot more carbs these days, but still trying to watch them.

[Carly]

Someone, forgot who, posted that some of the fast food places have apps for the phone that do this as well. I don't frequent fast food places that much, but when I do, most places here in NY, have the calorie counts right on the menu in the drive thru. I guess it's easy, because I'm never getting multiple items- maybe just a small fries and diet coke, so no adding necessary.

[LoCarbGal]

Originally Posted by jaymar

OMG...those shakes are that much?..oh wow...well thanks for checking it out, Soren..cause I really shouldn't have one..so I guess it was an omen that my local McD's has a broken machine..oh..and you have not had one since 1977?..
wow,...so you had one while you were still in your high chair, right?,. cause I would have guessed you were born about then..well, as they say..onward and downward..it seems I have just got my heart set on losing this weight..I have to visit relatives out of state this summer, and one of them..she used to go into the room I had, and she would look at my clothes that I'd hung up in the closet to see what size they were..,she didn't know that I ever found out..so I thought..well if I could lose a nice chunk before summer, I would replace some tags with much smaller size numbers, and really get her goat..I am a pretty good practical joker, but really...I have never thought it was funny that she did that to me and then spread it around the family..so..payback seems appropriate.

Oh my gosh, Jaymar! That is horrible what she did! Nosy busy-body! Not to talk bad about your relatives, but come on! Yes, it would be just great to put her in a snit because you're so much smaller. You go girl!

[Librarygirl]

I always go to the website of whatever restaurant I plan to visit. I noticed BK having this feature for a while now, and I like to use Wendy's too. It's great to know ahead of time just how much calories are in everything.

[Librarygirl]

Originally Posted by sorenkkg

Happy to be of service!

Speaking of shake (which that above emoticon is)... YES, I was checking those out too... I don't think I've had one since maybe 1977... I think Saturday's UD is going to be my day! And maybe the sweetpotato fries from BK (though there isn't one close, so we'll have to drive for a bit to find one)...

I'm going to go plan my calories for Saturday to incorporate these! LOL

ETA-- OMG, a small shamrock shake is 530 calories OMG OMG OMG that's insane!
don't ask about the medium or large... wow. wow wow wow.

wow.

It would probably be better and much less calories to make your own shamrock shake lol. Mint ice cream, milk...ice? Also super, super easy to make sweet potato fries! Also better tasting than restaurants...just slice potatoes, toss with olive oil, sea salt and pepper and bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes.

[LoCarbGal]

Originally Posted by Librarygirl

It would probably be better and much less calories to make your own shamrock shake lol. Mint ice cream, milk...ice? Also super, super easy to make sweet potato fries! Also better tasting than restaurants...just slice potatoes, toss with olive oil, sea salt and pepper and bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes.

Yeah, but it just doesn't taste the same as theirs, ya know? Now, sweet potato fries, I've got that down!

[Librarygirl]

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe (makes 1 giant shake, or 2 generously sized shakes)
3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring, if desired
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!

[mom23kids]

Originally Posted by sorenkkg

Oh, there's whipped cream? Clearly, that's like 400 cals right there...

[LoCarbGal]

Originally Posted by Librarygirl

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe (makes 1 giant shake, or 2 generously sized shakes)
3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring, if desired
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!

Hmmmmm.....I'm intrigued. It may be the peppermint extract that's the key. Darnit Cindy, now I'm going to have to calculate the difference in calories and have a taste test!

[Librarygirl]

I did it for you. Total calories for the recipe above, using full-fat ice cream is around 1087. If you divided it into 2 (generous) shakes it would be comparable to McDs. Probably larger than their small, at least, and cheaper.

[sorenkkg]

Originally Posted by jaymar

OMG...those shakes are that much?..oh wow...well thanks for checking it out, Soren..cause I really shouldn't have one..so I guess it was an omen that my local McD's has a broken machine..oh..and you have not had one since 1977?..
wow,...so you had one while you were still in your high chair, right?,. cause I would have guessed you were born about then..well, as they say..onward and downward..it seems I have just got my heart set on losing this weight..I have to visit relatives out of state this summer, and one of them..she used to go into the room I had, and she would look at my clothes that I'd hung up in the closet to see what size they were..,she didn't know that I ever found out..so I thought..well if I could lose a nice chunk before summer, I would replace some tags with much smaller size numbers, and really get her goat..I am a pretty good practical joker, but really...I have never thought it was funny that she did that to me and then spread it around the family..so..payback seems appropriate.

A) 1972 and proud of it! LOL
B) OMG, what a nosy nellie! I support you on your practical joke, b/c she deserves it!

Originally Posted by Librarygirl

It would probably be better and much less calories to make your own shamrock shake lol. Mint ice cream, milk...ice? Also super, super easy to make sweet potato fries! Also better tasting than restaurants...just slice potatoes, toss with olive oil, sea salt and pepper and bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes.

I know, you're right...but...

Originally Posted by LoCarbGal

Yeah, but it just doesn't taste the same as theirs, ya know? Now, sweet potato fries, I've got that down!

Exactly. Sometimes, even if you know it's probably going to be disappointing (see thread on frustration with food going on...) you just have to try something you remember, or go back to the place you grew up, or whatever like that, ya know? I'm sure if I do get one, I can go another 35yrs without it

On that same note, I'm going "sugaring off" (i.e. to a maple syrup farm) on the 29th... I literally haven't been to one since I was like 4yrs old and got maple taffy all in my super long 1970's hair I plan on enjoying everything, and maybe wearing a hat!

Originally Posted by Librarygirl

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe (makes 1 giant shake, or 2 generously sized shakes)
3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring, if desired
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!

Ooooh... I actually make really excellent mint ice cream-- it's usually the first flavor of the "season" b/c mint chocolate chip is dh's favorite. I totally add the green b/c seriously, what is mint without the green?












white. It's white.
S.