Is anything really accurate?

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_lyndseybrooke_
_lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
edited February 17 in Health and Weight Loss
Things I hear a lot on MFP....

Bathroom scales aren't very accurate.
Food scales aren't 100% accurate.
Using measuring cups to measure food/drink is SO inaccurate.
The caloric burn listed on MFP is an overestimation.
HRMs don't give you an entirely accurate reading.
TDEE calculators are just a rough estimation.
Scooby's TDEE calculator is SO high.
IIFYM's TDEE calculator isn't all that accurate.

Well, what IS accurate? And if everything's inaccurate, how do we know what is accurate? How do we even know it's not? And to what extent does it matter? Do we just pick the least inaccurate and go with it or do we constantly worry about the inaccuracy of every tool we use?

NOTE: I'm not having trouble losing weight and I feel like I've got a good system going, so I don't need advice. This is just something I've noticed that is frustrating to see people say over and over and over again.

Replies

  • knitapeace
    knitapeace Posts: 1,013 Member
    You work a plan, see if it does what you want it to, then rework it to try something new if you don't get the results you want. Everything is an estimate until you work it out for your own body.
  • thickerella
    thickerella Posts: 154 Member
    Using a food scale for solids and measuring cups for liquids is a lot more accurate than anything else you have available to you without a lab, and are a vital tool in getting a solid grip on what a "portion size" really is. I highly recommend their use to anyone who is struggling to lose weight.

    As for calorie burn, if you aren't losing weight OR inches, don't eat back all of your calories. Start with 75% and take it back to 50% if you need to. Don't expect that you will lose weight every day or every week, but there should be a downward trend over time.

    The truth is, NOTHING will be 100% accurate. You do not NEED to be 100% accurate to lose weight. Just follow the guidelines and it will work out.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    You do the best you can. If you are not seeing the expected results, then you adjust accordingly.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Do we just pick the least inaccurate and go with it or do we constantly worry about the inaccuracy of every tool we use?

    The third option is the tool-free approach - eat healthy and in moderation, and follow a balanced exercise plan on a regular basis. Most people get decent results if they do that.
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