Determining how many grams are in a calorie?

Stacyellenk

So after reading here about how important it is to not just focus on calories on a package but the actual grams, I bought a scale that measures in both ounces and grams. I am already seeing variances of 5 or so grams per serving versus using measuring cups - what I am having difficulty in is how to equate that back to calories. Not difficult to do with things like cereal where I can measure more specific portions, but not so easy with things like bread. Is there a general kind of calculation that I can use here?

jemhh

Here's an example of what I do:

Package says 1 slice of bread is 50 grams, which is 110 calories. You weigh the bread and it is actually 60 grams. Divide 60 by 50 to get 1.2. This means your slice of bread is 1.2 servings of bread. So when you add it to your diary, you change your serving size to 1.2.

Is that what you mean?

Stacyellenk

jemhh wrote: »

Here's an example of what I do:

Package says 1 slice of bread is 50 grams, which is 110 calories. You weigh the bread and it is actually 60 grams. Divide 60 by 50 to get 1.2. This means your slice of bread is 1.2 servings of bread. So when you add it to your diary, you change your serving size to 1.2.

Is that what you mean?

Yes, thank you!!!

runningalice

Most of the entries have a drop down part so you can change the serving from slices to g. Then enter the exact grams this is anotjer option

Jthanmyfitnesspal

I feel your frustration with this. The MFP entries are variously listed per serving, per weight, or per volume, but they never give all three choices for a single food. Sometimes, there are multiple choices and you can pick the one you like, depending on how you are measuring it. (It's hard to bring a scale with you and not get a rather strange reaction!) Also: there's no need to be accurate for low calorie foods (vegetables, etc.). Focus on accuracy for the carbs and fats.

If something is listed in mass units, MFP usually lets you work in grams or ounces (1 ounce is 28 grams).

If something is listed by serving, you can look the serving size up (it is supposed to always be on the label) and then weigh out that amount or adjust accordingly to your selected serving as another post recommended.

If it is listed by volume, just recall that almost all liquid foods are unit volume, meaning that a cup is 8 ounces.

Someday, MFP will have multiple choices for a single food, but not yet.

_Waffle_

The unit weights are averages and the calorie estimates per serving are a close estimate. There's no need to weigh each slice of bread. Some are more and some are less weight than listed. If you're slicing your own cheese or bread then it makes sense to weigh your food. If it comes pre sliced or pre measured then just go with that number.

We're talking about a lifestyle change. I don't plan on weighing every slice of bread I eat for the rest of my life to see if it's 10 grams more or less than what's listed on the packaging.

#2cents

janejellyroll

_Waffle_ wrote: »

The unit weights are averages and the calorie estimates per serving are a close estimate. There's no need to weigh each slice of bread. Some are more and some are less weight than listed. If you're slicing your own cheese or bread then it makes sense to weigh your food. If it comes pre sliced or pre measured then just go with that number.

We're talking about a lifestyle change. I don't plan on weighing every slice of bread I eat for the rest of my life to see if it's 10 grams more or less than what's listed on the packaging.

#2cents

Some people have found significant variances in their bread weight though. If what you are doing works for you, then I don't see the need to change it. But if your deficit is small or your calorie needs are low, the difference in-pre-packaged food can make a difference.

AmazonMayan

I weigh one slice in each loaf then go by that. I've had some be 1.5 times the weight the package says and if a slice is 120 cal by listed weight then another 60 cal is a big difference. 2 slices for a sandwich and it all starts lol....

+1 to jemhh's math post

cbihatt

_Waffle_ wrote: »

The unit weights are averages and the calorie estimates per serving are a close estimate. There's no need to weigh each slice of bread. Some are more and some are less weight than listed. If you're slicing your own cheese or bread then it makes sense to weigh your food. If it comes pre sliced or pre measured then just go with that number.

We're talking about a lifestyle change. I don't plan on weighing every slice of bread I eat for the rest of my life to see if it's 10 grams more or less than what's listed on the packaging.

#2cents

+1

ValerieMartini2Olives

aim_3 wrote: »

_Waffle_ wrote: »

The unit weights are averages and the calorie estimates per serving are a close estimate. There's no need to weigh each slice of bread. Some are more and some are less weight than listed. If you're slicing your own cheese or bread then it makes sense to weigh your food. If it comes pre sliced or pre measured then just go with that number.

We're talking about a lifestyle change. I don't plan on weighing every slice of bread I eat for the rest of my life to see if it's 10 grams more or less than what's listed on the packaging.

#2cents

+1

+2, I don't weigh things like slices of bread or slices or cheese or individual containers of yogurt. It's just too much hassle for me. But things that add up quick like crackers or peanut butter... every single time.

_Waffle_

janejellyroll wrote: »

_Waffle_ wrote: »

The unit weights are averages and the calorie estimates per serving are a close estimate. There's no need to weigh each slice of bread. Some are more and some are less weight than listed. If you're slicing your own cheese or bread then it makes sense to weigh your food. If it comes pre sliced or pre measured then just go with that number.

We're talking about a lifestyle change. I don't plan on weighing every slice of bread I eat for the rest of my life to see if it's 10 grams more or less than what's listed on the packaging.

#2cents

Some people have found significant variances in their bread weight though. If what you are doing works for you, then I don't see the need to change it. But if your deficit is small or your calorie needs are low, the difference in-pre-packaged food can make a difference.

If you're stalled on your weight loss then weigh everything I suppose. If not then there's no need to worry about a few calories here or there. I don't count the 2 calories per 1/3 second from cooking spray when I make eggs or even think about the fact that I probably held the button for 2 seconds for a total of 12 calories. It's all an estimate anyway.

harrybananas

And if you've ever wondered.

1 gram of carbohydrate or protein = 4 calories

1 gram of fat = 9 calories

Tada.

http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/how-many-calories-are-one-gram-fat-carbohydrate-or-protein