Best Food Guide?

[Estrovan 28]

I am pre-op (June 18th is my day!!) and I'm looking for some sort of a reference book that will show me nutrition info for all types of foods. For example, Protein, calories, carbs/sugars, etc. It's easy when something has a label - but I've never seen a banana with nutrition label : )

Thanks for your help!

[goldenraisin214 142]

Hi Estrovan,

I think most people use a website like myfitnesspal.com or livestrong.com to look up food values. If you're looking for an actual book, I've seen them at bookstores like Barnes and Noble in the diet/health section, but I would imagine that the online versions are more complete and up to date--plus they allow you to add your own items if you can't find what you're looking for. Hope this helps, and congrats on getting your date!

[thinmymind 107]

Online, I usually go to CalorieKing.com. They also have a software program you can try/buy. Also, there is a book. I am not 100% if fresh individual items are in there or if it is more geared toward fast food/chain type of restaurants.

Here is the link for the book.

http://www.amazon.com/CalorieKing-Calorie-Carbohydrate-Counter-2012/dp/1930448368/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338381830&sr=8-1

[MinaT 669]

The easiest to use is most definitely myfitnesspal.com. It's free and works. I've tried fitday.com but it has a lot of bells and whistles but it not as easy as myfitnesspal.com which charts your food and it has some neat features. If you cook yourself you can input your ingredients and do a recipe, so you know your own values of your homemade Soups, chili's and chop suey's like I do. I've used it for six months. Always check thoroughly the listings because some people will put "egg salad" but if you don't know what ingredients they are using, then you can't go by it, but it's easy to do it yourself by the ingredients you use. Most restaurants have their foods listed, like Red Lobster, Potbelly, Wendy's etc. so it's super easy. If you eat the same foods every day it's easy to pick and chose your foods you ate previously.

With Myfitnesspal you can get the app for your phone too. It's easy to chart your Water etc. You can also chart your cardio and strength training too. If you need more help with information on exercise calorie expenditures, I use http://www.nutribase.com/exercala.htm at times if I can't find it.

Remember never to follow myfitnesspal.com recommended daily suggestion for Calories, Carbs, Proteins, Fat because if you do, there's good chance you will gain weight. Make sure you get your 80 grams of Protein, stay about 800 calories and about 45 grams of carbs or whatever your doctor recommends.

ps I'm on the shake pre-op phase and I still chart that and my Water every day to keep up with it.

[rizabonita 41]

I think myfitnesspal is really great! Besides, you'll have a lot of us as ur supporters on there. If u decide to use it add me I'm highpower4me

keepin it real