Do you use a scale when tracking calories?

[pange]

I've been using MyFitnessPal for a while, but I got more serious about tracking consistently after syncing my Fitbit.  I often guestimate the serving sizes, but I had a shocking moment today when I calculated out that the chicken breasts I buy are more like 7 oz compared to the 4 oz fictional ones I've been tracking for ages. 😞  I think it might be time to give in and buy a scale and see what else I've been underestimating.

Do you use one? I'm on the lookout for an inexpensive model.  Do you recommend the basket style or the flat plate style?  Thanks!

[LCHFmom]

Like you, I have been using MFP for quite some time .  I do track much of my food with a scale, or with my measuring utencils( cups/ spoons).

I track a LOT of items, and weigh or measure almost everything.  I nearly always weigh my proteins; pre- and post-cooking as those differ as well.

On the other hand, there are other items that i am not going to necessarily weigh,( based on my diet), such as lettuce , where I have measured so many times, I can eyeball a rough 1- cup serving and I know its not going to " break the bank" on my tracking.  

I personally use an inexpensive flat scale I bought on ebay about 8 years ago and I really dont have any complaints. 

Interested to see what others do and use! 

I have a fairly 

[redstars2013]

for me, it's imperative to weigh. I've had the same flat digital food scale for about 10 years. it cost me $30 at walmart.

[SunsetRunner]

Weighing your food is the only way .. to know that what you are eating is accurately logged.

Even measuring cups are not a good idea ... just too much inaccuracy involved. Weighing is the only answer.

[ThomR]

I started using a flat scale about 3 years ago.  I was shocked at how much I was actually eating!!!  By using the scale I have lost 35 lbs and kept it off for over 3 years.  I have an inexpensive flat scale that has both dry and liquid measurements. The brand name is Salter and it came with a bowl too. I put my plate or bowl on the scale, set it to zero and put my food on it.  Same with liquids.  Put the glass on the scale set it to zero and pour.

[B4]

Yes, I would suggest using a scale to weigh.  With use over time, you will find that you can gauge amounts better without the use of a scale.  It will enable you to fine tune your portions. 

When choosing a scale model, a great feature is the ability to 'zero out' the scale...meaning you can take the weight of the holding vessel, then zero out the scale, then add your items to weigh.  

Good luck!

[Ukase]

I think a scale is probably the best way to go - at least until you get the general idea how many calories you're consuming.

In some cases, it all depends on where you're getting your information from. I marvel at our FDA. Two packages of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. One package says 130 calories per 4 ounce serving. Another says 120 per 4 ounces. Both certainly look the same. Why different numbers? Tougher chickens? I have no idea, but went with the cheaper chicken.

The more I do this, the more I believe that all these companies just guess what the nutrition information is based on what some kitten on the internet said it was.

[SunsetRunner]

I use a digital scale I got a few years ago and measure what I'm uncertain of, like pasta or some veggies when I'm curious. It's really helpful to have when your food items don't come in specific weights or you need only a small piece of something.

It has to be mentioned that in the US the calorie labels can be off by as much as 20% and still satisfy regulations, so logging every calorie perfectly is very unlikely in any case.

In the case of same weight, different calories, it can be the error margin at play or simply an infusion of salt and/or water when it comes to the meat. It's just a trick to raise the weight and thereby the price...

[SunsetRunner]

I have seen people measuring in cups or servings .. and well, that is just a bad idea. The scale is the only way to really know what is going on. And those several hundred calorie errors can make the difference between losing and maintaining.

[smhermione]

I use my digital scale to measure anything that it is good at measuring (measuring cups for various liquids, etc.)  Just so I'm not eyeballing it anymore.

[pange]

I'm definitely going shopping this weekend for a scale!  Sounds like it's the way to go versus measuring cups for accuracy.  I think serving sizes has been my downfall in my attempt to lose weight over the years.

[FitDiitz]

I don't use a scale but I do measure.  Portion control is imperative.  Protein portions should be no larger than the palm of your hand. . . Fitditz.com

[br111anna]

I have been measuring my food in cups/tablespoons before, but I got a food scale for christmas and it helps a lot. most things can still be done with cups, but i use it for chicken 🙂

You will start to learn the serving sizes also, so on busy days you wont even need the scale.

[gerrymcd]

Its all to easy to under estimate quantities (and therefore calories).   I was eating a 'bowl' of granola with almond milk for breakfast and calling it 450 calories, when I got around to weighing it I discovered I was acutally eating well over twice that amount!!   

 I'm not sure if there is a 'best' choice model of scale - I bought one for $30 a few years ago and it works just fine.  

[pange]

I just bought a scale today, a simple $15 one from Canadian Tire.  It lets me reset to zero to measure inside a bowl, etc, so I think this will do the trick. 😄

[Bic]

I bought a kitchen scale for about $12 off ebay and it works fine. I don't use it for everything, just things that are going to be high calorie or I don't know the weight just by the packaging. I rarely bother with vegetables, but I use it for desserts, cereal and meat if it's not on the packaging.

[trilliium]

I also use a scale to keep more accurate with serving sizes. I'm suprised too sometimes at the differences of what portions are in comparison to what I thought.  I find the scale very useful to in my general cooking too.