How to count calories

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

If you have a scale and an app, there is no math.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Use an online recipe calculator.

[smb1966 129]

BTW, nothing is really clear in this area...when you really dig deep calorie counting is a daunting deep hole:

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2011/12/08/why-calorie-counts-are-wrong-cooked-food-provides-a-lot-more-energy/#.ViPg_vmrTx4

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263028.php

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-a-calorie-emma-bryce

It is a relative measure but an important one. Just understand that this should not be a complete freak out area, but one that should be tracked carefully but with an eye toward reality.

And remember calories burned during exercise is not an excuse to eat more ...https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/why-you-shouldnt-trust-calories-burned-on-exercise-machines/ Here is why it matters: http://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/v42/acr_v42_17017.pdf (we do think we can eat more it we see calories burned)

Very interesting links. Thanks for sharing them.

[Basia 2]

Fitness pal is an easy to use app and I have been able to use it for my 2oz measure and it tracks nutrients Ike carbs, Protein, fat etc. I measure everything in a 1/4 cup measuring cup.

[smb1966 129]

There was a website mentioned in my paperwork and I checked it out yesterday. So far so good you can enter the amount of food by teaspoonful etc. Giving that I try now to see how it goes. I don't like sites that ask for alot of information because I don't have that kind of time just to track food. Its Sparkpeople.com

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Unless you are actually eating with a measuring spoon that isn't accurate. Utensils are not accurate measurements.

Volume varies and your eyes can deceive you.

Weight is the most accurate especially early on when being off by an ounce can be very uncomfortable.

[OKCPirate 5,323]

@@OutsideMatchInside - absolutely, it's surprising how 3 ozs is perfect, 4 hurts. Welcome to life in the small stomach.

[smb1966 129]

Unless you are actually eating with a measuring spoon that isn't accurate. Utensils are not accurate measurements.

Volume varies and your eyes can deceive you.

Weight is the most accurate especially early on when being off by an ounce can be very uncomfortable.

Exactly, I just started using a measuring spoon to prepare my serving and at this point in, since I can only consume such a small amount breaking out a scale and subtracting the weight for the saucer, bowl, plate etc. Is overkill. As my portion size increases I am sure it will require changes in how I measure or weigh it. I was just trying to figure out the best way to keep track of such a small portion of food and it seems that a measuring teaspoon is doing the trick.

[tiggerbug 70]

I enter mine into my fitness pal..... all you have to know then is about how much of a serving you ate and put it in, you have the option to change how many servings or partial servings and you can change the unit of measure from once to cups or what ever you need

[mommy319 31]

I dont count or measure. I am only 3 weeks out and still doing soft foods and purees along with Protein and Water. I will see my Nut in a couple of weeks and will follow whatever she says.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I dont count or measure. I am only 3 weeks out and still doing soft foods and purees along with Protein and Water. I will see my Nut in a couple of weeks and will follow whatever she says.

If you don't count or measure how do you know whether or not your are reaching your protein target?

[mommy319 31]

Actually the 1 thing I know for sure is that I get my Protein. I still use powdered protein and some ready made Protein Shakes. I dont count any calories or measure food though. I have 3 Protein Drinks a day regardless of what I eat for a minimum of 90 grams of protein.

[SleevePerry 248]

I try to weigh and measure, but will occasionally record "guesstimates" in MyFitnessPal. I typically try to round up in these recordings, so that I'm under, not over, my daily calorie allotment.

One good thing about MFP is that most item are broken down by cups, ounces, tablespoons, so you do not have to do any conversions on your own.