Which food from the database?

smiles4jo

I'm back on the MFP bandwagon (again!) and feel really committed to this. My husband laughs at my kitchen scale, but he won't be laughing when we both lose weight! So far, I've lost almost 7 pounds, but still another 60 to go (at least!).

One thing I'm struggling with now though is knowing which of the million entries in the database is the correct one. For instance, last night we had boneless chicken for dinner. There have to be at least 25 entries for skinless, boneless chicken. This wasn't a particular brand, so I'm confused about the 'generic' items.

I know that entries are verified, but sometimes even the ones with the checkmarks don't seem to fit.

Any hints/tips?

cndkendrick

I would pick the one that seems to be average of the other entries. By that I mean, if there are 5 entries for chicken at 350 calories... that seems to be "average" or normal. Make sure the entry has all the nutritional info. Lastly, you could always ask google and see what she says.
HTH and WTG!!!

smiles4jo

Great - Thanks! That's basically what I've been doing, so I guess I'll just keep going with that. Seems to be working so far

75in2013

I check other websites like: fddb.info that host "calorie databases".
fddb is a German website ... there are probably better choices for UK/US. Just google "calorie database"
Google search itself returns calorie values for some food

juliet3455

@smiles4jo o Welcome back to MFP and the Forums.
Picking an item from the Food Database can be a challenge due to the huge number of entries.
Some of the Key things I look for is USDA in the name/description as this indicates that the person who entered it used the USDA Food search web site as a source. I will compare the MFP Nutrition Data to the USDA Data. If you look at the nutrition data and see multiple users have confirmed it then it's probably a good choice. I recommend the link below to Logging Accurately as it has been one I constantly refer back to.
logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

I recommend some additional good reads for you to start this journey as my "incredibly generic advice" when someone is new to MFP and over whelmed or struggling.

The-forum-survival-guide

http://fit101.org/the-step-by-step-guide-to-losing-weight-with-myfitnesspal/

At the Top of most Forums you will see a Discussion with the Words Announcement underneath them. As an example go into the General Diet and Weight Loss Forum.
general-diet-and-weight-loss-help

You will see 2 Announcement Posts ( Closed ) and a list of additional posts by members. If you open the Announcement Post you will see a list of Links to posts that are a great source of information.
most-helpful-posts-general-diet-and-weight-loss-help-must-reads

Of all the "Stickied" Posts these are some of the ones that I keep referring back to all the time.
important-posts-to-read
youre-probably-eating-more-than-you-think
A-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale

A 4 part Blog about the power of habits.
The-power-of-habit-part-1-why-habits-matter-688130

These are just a few of the many great posts that have been so helpful.