discrepancies in calorie count

smusicmom

While logging food and using the MFP database..... I am concerned!! Often the same foods have calorie counts that are all over the place. Some are lower and others twice that amount. That's quite a difference when you're trying to stay in your goal amount. So, exactly how does one use the MFP database correctly? Help... it's overwhelming!

mywayroche

Scan the barcode then check the packaging that the food came in. If everything matches then you're good

stanmann571

Pretty much stick with the packaging.

If you're doing home made or cooked recipes, you'll need to use the recipe builder.

pinuplove

This thread is a very helpful guide to getting started:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1234699/logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide/p1

DoubleUbea

As a new user I found this strange as well, many of the items are entered by users trying to be helpful, the data may not be the most accurate. Look at the measurements, (weight / amount / serving size) and compare it to what you have.
Look for a green check mark next to an item, this is suppose to be "verified"

Search the internet for a product and can usually find the nutritional values on an external website.

Sharon_C

Scan packages, weigh your food with a scale, check the USDA site for stuff like fruits and vegetables. Don't trust what is in MFP

M0n1KCR

When it's home cooked (not by me) or there is no barcode available, I use an "average" calorie count - not too high, not too low. It simplifies things.

smusicmom

Thank you all. Green check means verified? Great I did not know that. Good deal.

janejellyroll

smusicmom wrote: »

Thank you all. Green check means verified? Great I did not know that. Good deal.

Keep in mind that "verified" just means that a certain amount of your fellow users have indicated that it is accurate. I've found some inaccurate "verified" entries too -- either because our fellow users were wrong or the item has changed after it was verified.