Counting calories without a scale
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Honeyacid
Posts: 115 Member
I really want to find a way to accurately count calories but I don't have a food scale. Is there any way to get even an estimate about the amount of calories I'm consuming on a day to day basis?
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Replies
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Just use measuring spoons and cups accurately. Every video I have seen of why you can't use measuring cups just proves that some people don't know HOW to use measuring cups, not that the cups themselves are that far off.
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I would invest $15 in a scale.
You could use measuring cups and spoons as mentioned above. I think you would quickly tire of trying to convert all the database entries you need to those measurements, though.5 -
It depends what you mean by "accurately". A food scale is the most accurate way to count calories. Any other way won't be as accurate. But it may still be suitable for weight loss. I only use a food scale for a portion of my food and I have lost 40 pounds.
The key is to set reasonable goals and go at a slow and moderate pace.3 -
you can, but only sort of. there are things that you can't accurately measure - you have to weigh them.
you can get a food scale for less than $10.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozeri-ZK14-Pronto-Digital-Multifunction-Kitchen-and-Food-Scale/54304214?
i had the black on silver one, which is the cheapest color right now, currently under $12, and it was accurate.1 -
My scale broke four weeks ago and I’ve just been measuring it. Still dropping consistently.6
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You don’t need a scale, some do (me included), but it is not necessary. Track your progress and if you are not making any progress drop or add calories by 100 calories a day.3
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All calorie counting is an estimate. Consistency is the most important variable. So, if you use measuring tools in a consistent manner, you can adjust your calories to get a safe weight loss.7
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L1zardQueen wrote: »You don’t need a scale, some do (me included), but it is not necessary. Track your progress and if you are not making any progress drop or add calories by 100 calories a day.
This is what I plan on doing, varying my intake depending on how much I weigh.2 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »You don’t need a scale, some do (me included), but it is not necessary. Track your progress and if you are not making any progress drop or add calories by 100 calories a day.
This is what I plan on doing, varying my intake depending on how much I weigh.
Okay, but... it takes food 23 to 72 hours to move through your digestive tract, depending on the person. So, how will you figure your intake according to your weight?2 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »You don’t need a scale, some do (me included), but it is not necessary. Track your progress and if you are not making any progress drop or add calories by 100 calories a day.
This is what I plan on doing, varying my intake depending on how much I weigh.
Okay, but... it takes food 23 to 72 hours to move through your digestive tract, depending on the person. So, how will you figure your intake according to your weight?
I do it and use my trend weight and adjust..I actually don't even log my intake. It does takes some trial and error but once you get to know your body and trends it can work.4 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »You don’t need a scale, some do (me included), but it is not necessary. Track your progress and if you are not making any progress drop or add calories by 100 calories a day.
This is what I plan on doing, varying my intake depending on how much I weigh.
Okay, but... it takes food 23 to 72 hours to move through your digestive tract, depending on the person. So, how will you figure your intake according to your weight?
I'll use the classic technique: I'll wing it. Also I generally eat similar food each day so there's not much food related weight variation.2 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »You don’t need a scale, some do (me included), but it is not necessary. Track your progress and if you are not making any progress drop or add calories by 100 calories a day.
This is what I plan on doing, varying my intake depending on how much I weigh.
Okay, but... it takes food 23 to 72 hours to move through your digestive tract, depending on the person. So, how will you figure your intake according to your weight?
I do it and use my trend weight and adjust..I actually don't even log my intake. It does takes some trial and error but once you get to know your body and trends it can work.
Interesting, thanks for sharing.0 -
How accurate you need to be depends in part on how much you’re trying to lose. If you have a lot to lose, your deficit is big enough that some errors in logging probably aren’t a big deal. But if you’re only trying to lose 10 pounds or so, most people find that they need to be very accurate with their logging.1
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How accurate you need to be depends in part on how much you’re trying to lose. If you have a lot to lose, your deficit is big enough that some errors in logging probably aren’t a big deal. But if you’re only trying to lose 10 pounds or so, most people find that they need to be very accurate with their logging.
@Honeyacid in June your goal was to lose 30-40 pounds by 2020 - where are you at now?3 -
Based on all your other threads I’m concerned for your overall well being. Your approaches are drastic and dangerous. I’ll tell you what, how about you axe all the crazy “diets” and plans you posted about , just eat in a slight calorie deficit every day and I’ll amazon prime you a scale for free? I would be happy to pay forward what this community has taught me21
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How accurate you need to be depends in part on how much you’re trying to lose. If you have a lot to lose, your deficit is big enough that some errors in logging probably aren’t a big deal. But if you’re only trying to lose 10 pounds or so, most people find that they need to be very accurate with their logging.
Not necessarily. If the person wants to lose the weight fast, yes, a food scale is recommended in order to be more accurate. If the person wants to eat back all or part of the exercise calories, then a food scale will be better than estimating or using other measuring tools.
My original goal when I joined MFP was to lose l0 lbs and I was not in a hurry. I lost14lbs by estimating, using generic entries in the database (OMG!!!), and measuring with cups and spoons. I also didn't eat my exercise calories unless I was hungry. I only got a food scale when I wanted to keep a better track of my macros. I am sure that I am not the only special snowflake in the forums.
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Try it and see what the results are. If you are losing too fast or aren't losing anything, then get a scale and see if that works better for you.
I didn't use a scale, but still lost weight and have managed to maintain it for several years. Like Giselle, i do a lot of estimating and using generic entries. However, I do a lot of exercise. I eat back all my calories, but I burn more than the app says, which gives me some leeway. I also split meals with my husband but log 50% of the calories in the meal, so sometimes I am overestimating my intake.1 -
Based on all your other threads I’m concerned for your overall well being. Your approaches are drastic and dangerous. I’ll tell you what, how about you axe all the crazy “diets” and plans you posted about , just eat in a slight calorie deficit every day and I’ll amazon prime you a scale for free? I would be happy to pay forward what this community has taught me
Quoting because you’re right and a really kind/cool person and liking that post isn’t enough.4 -
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