Why is everyone so scared of weighing their food?
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PS: Re baking: In all my life I've never seen a recipe with the ingredients given in weights, although that makes a great deal of sense. My mother taught me to run flour through a sifter, then carefully spoon it into measuring cups in order not to compact it and then use a straight edge of some sort to level it off. Conversely, brown sugar is supposed to be pressed into the measuring cup (although how hard to compact it is somewhat arbitrary and a matter of experience.) I learn something everyday!
Conversely, I've never seen a baking recipe that wasn't given in weights, except for the liquid volume portion of course. You've just confirmed that using volume measures for solids just don't make sense.
Baking is the only time I'll weigh stuff, because in that case it does make a difference to the outcome.
But then I'm an engineer, so I use what's practical and useful, only when it's practical and useful
Maybe the lack of weights for baking is an American thing? English recipe books always seem to have weights for ingredients.
I use weights a lot in baking and preserving. Most older preserving recipes are in pounds but some newer ones are as well. All of the recipes I create are in weights as well.0 -
you dont often see weights in canadian recipe books eitherPS: Re baking: In all my life I've never seen a recipe with the ingredients given in weights, although that makes a great deal of sense. My mother taught me to run flour through a sifter, then carefully spoon it into measuring cups in order not to compact it and then use a straight edge of some sort to level it off. Conversely, brown sugar is supposed to be pressed into the measuring cup (although how hard to compact it is somewhat arbitrary and a matter of experience.) I learn something everyday!
Conversely, I've never seen a baking recipe that wasn't given in weights, except for the liquid volume portion of course. You've just confirmed that using volume measures for solids just don't make sense.
Baking is the only time I'll weigh stuff, because in that case it does make a difference to the outcome.
But then I'm an engineer, so I use what's practical and useful, only when it's practical and useful
Maybe the lack of weights for baking is an American thing? English recipe books always seem to have weights for ingredients.
American's don't typically own food scales unless they are trying to monitor their food intake in the manner being debated in this thread.
I wonder if it's mostly Americans and Canadians that are resistant to weighing their food since it's otherwise not done.
Anyway, we digress....sorry, OP.
Canadian here and weigh for baking and preserving recipes. Many older recipes are in weight measure and IIRC, the popular Company's Coming series when they were first issued had a lot of recipes in weight measures. I have a lot of recipe books that use weight measures. It just depends on the author.0 -
not afraid of it but i dont feel that its necessary for me to do0
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My husband has decided to lose weight, but he doesn't want to weigh his food (or log his food really). He said if he stops losing, he'll consider it.
I don't get it... Why not start with something that works if you're really determined to do it?
I weigh my grilled chicken every day. I was never scared of doing it. Just had to acquire a scale first. I don't think he's scared either. Probably just a case of laziness lol0 -
Estimating is working for me because I'm set on MFP for a loss of 0.8lbs a week and I'm aiming at 0.5 realistically.
Also, I want this to be something I stick to. I don't want to have to turn down invites to go out with friends because I can't weigh my food. It's not practical for a university student, imo.0 -
Is it me or does most of the population, including any friends or any people who I know, who are trying, or have lost weight, didn't use a scale to do it. I'm definitely the minority and considered obsessive.
I did in the past with no problem. The only reason why I'm using one now is because I discovered MFP. Also weighing my food allows me too eat way more than I did in the past when trying to lose weight. I lost weight before coming on here and also lost the first few weeks on here, a lot actually, without weighing my food. Since weighing my food my weight loss has slowed down more than it has ever in my life. But that is because I'm not restricting calories and eating more than I would. So its a good thing. But honestly, I would have been at my goal weight by now if I didn't weigh my food! lol....But this way I have more of a chance of keeping it off and developing good habits along the way.0 -
I remember reading a post on another forum years ago. Something to the tune of, "if you're not using a food scale , you may as well forget about losing weight". I'm thinking, WTF is a food scale?? For just a split second really. Then I forgot all about that
Fast forward to realizing that despite a fair amount of exercise I was eating more than I burn. Started logging on MFP, decided I liked the numbers and calories in calories out concept and wanted to be accurate. Just like adding up numbers on a spreadsheet. I HAD to get the HRM and the scale. I would imagine some people would simply be turned off by this level of detail with numbers and not want to engage. Or maybe they're back where I was at the start and do not know WTF this food scale contraption is and can't be bothered to figure it out0 -
Yeah, same here.
I do actually want to start weighing foods, but I'm not sure what kind of scale to buy.0 -
I don't know why they are scared. All I know is that I am too scared not to. I am way too lenient with my amounts and that's what got me into this predicament, so I need to weigh and measure. Whatever works.0
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Yeah, same here.
I do actually want to start weighing foods, but I'm not sure what kind of scale to buy.
I really don't think brand is important. Some of the basic things I find useful in a scale:
Digital
Tare button. Zeros out the weight of anything on it.
Unit button - you will likely mostly use grams but may find ounces, lbs or kgs useful from time to time
Max weight depending on your needs could be around 2 kg or 5 kg
Accuracy for most is 1g
My scale was $11 and I have another $8 one arriving from Amazon (don't ask). Especially if cost is not too much of an issue , I'd just buy a cheapie one and start using it
Edit: heh, just realizing the last statement makes no sense because why would you go cheap if cost is not an issue. I mean if it breaks or you decide it's a POS and don't want to use it anymore, then who cares, it's only 10 bucks0 -
If you are losing weight at a healthy rate, using a scale doesn't really matter. Thing is, if you want to lose weight, and you are failing at it, then you require a food scale and extremely accurate logging.
I don't think people are scared, it's just dieting is a side project to most people, not a full time job. For most it's, "I'd like to lose a few pounds" so I'll eat a little less food. Unfortunately, there are lots of people who aren't capable of eating "a little less food." Those folks really need to take an all or nothing approach.0 -
I weigh my proteins. I like to keep track of my protein intake. I also use the scale for cooked pasta, cheeses that I have to cut and cereal, which I don't eat to often.. Every thing else is easy enough to find in the database.0
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I grew up using measuring cups and spoons. The only food scales I was even aware of were the ones in the fruit and veggie section of the grocery store. Even if it is easier to use a food scale, for me it feels like more work.
When I'm not losing weight, it's not because I'm not weighing my food. Measuring works fine for me. It's because I'm eating more than I know I should.
I do think portion control is an important question for someone who is wondering why he isn't losing weight, though. If someone isn't losing and thinks she is only eating 1200 calories, I'm going to ask how they are portioning food.0 -
Because the food scale doesn't lie and it will show him how much that say "cake" is that he thought was just a little piece.
But if he is losing weight with what he is doing, why does it matter if he eats more cake than he thinks he does?0 -
That said, I've never seen any of the posters on here jump on someone if they say they don't weight for personal reasons.
Are you reading a different forum site?
Lots of judgemental garbage when someone says no, because...
Judgmental garbage? Really? Do tell... I only bring up food scales when people are in a plateau, or gaining weight and don't know the reason. When they are having trouble and ASKING for help. And I've never seen anyone given a hard time about not using a scale because of behavioral issues.
^ Yep, this :flowerforyou:0 -
the motto of this forum is (or at lease one of them) "you don't weigh your food, you deserve to fail".
We should have a list of official rules and if people are not following all of them they should be removed from the forums or have their accouts deleted. :happy: Mixing weighers and non weighers one one site, how crazy is that!?
And be certain to only offer support and encouragement to people who are following the exact same program as yourself. Everyone else deserves to fail.
Only partially joking. But it seems to feel like that to more than a few posters. Personally, I really don't care how you are trying to lose weight. Most people here have probably tried a few things before giving this a try. Some will move on from here to another plan that will work for them when this fails for them.0 -
Yeah, same here.
I do actually want to start weighing foods, but I'm not sure what kind of scale to buy.
This is the one I got for my birthday:
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Stainless-Pull-Out-Display/dp/B000WJMTNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401280694&sr=8-1&keywords=oxo+scale
There are definitely cheaper ones out there, but since I also love to bake, I appreciated the extra features of this one. It can handle up to 11 pounds (most stop at 5) and the display pulls out so it isn't blocked by a dish or bowl, and the stainless steel plate on top pops right off for washing.0 -
the motto of this forum is (or at lease one of them) "you don't weigh your food, you deserve to fail".
We should have a list of official rules and if people are not following all of them they should be removed from the forums or have their accouts deleted. :happy: Mixing weighers and non weighers one one site, how crazy is that!?
And be certain to only offer support and encouragement to people who are following the exact same program as yourself. Everyone else deserves to fail.
Only partially joking. But it seems to feel like that to more than a few posters. Personally, I really don't care how you are trying to lose weight. Most people here have probably tried a few things before giving this a try. Some will move on from here to another plan that will work for them when this fails for them.
yeah, sometimes it does feel that way on this forum...or on any other fitness/weight loss discussion groups...have you been on bodybuilding.com? oh man...0 -
Not exactly unrelated but a little off topic. Besides wanting a digital scale is there anything to look for when buying one? Ive noticed they vary in prices hugely and wasnt sure if i would be missing out on anything needed by getting a cheaper model. If the more expensive ones last longer that would justify the price tag for me but just looking for any advice with this.0
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the motto of this forum is (or at lease one of them) "you don't weigh your food, you deserve to fail".
We should have a list of official rules and if people are not following all of them they should be removed from the forums or have their accouts deleted. :happy: Mixing weighers and non weighers one one site, how crazy is that!?
And be certain to only offer support and encouragement to people who are following the exact same program as yourself. Everyone else deserves to fail.
Only partially joking. But it seems to feel like that to more than a few posters. Personally, I really don't care how you are trying to lose weight. Most people here have probably tried a few things before giving this a try. Some will move on from here to another plan that will work for them when this fails for them.
yeah, sometimes it does feel that way on this forum...or on any other fitness/weight loss discussion groups...have you been on bodybuilding.com? oh man...
Pffft. I don't think it's true at all. People just recommend to use a scale when someone comes posting that they're not losing weight... Bottom line is most people have no idea how much they are eating unless they log everything and weigh their food. But obviously if they overestimate everything, they'll lose weight just fine... I just think most people have no estimating skills at all.0 -
the motto of this forum is (or at lease one of them) "you don't weigh your food, you deserve to fail".
We should have a list of official rules and if people are not following all of them they should be removed from the forums or have their accouts deleted. :happy: Mixing weighers and non weighers one one site, how crazy is that!?
And be certain to only offer support and encouragement to people who are following the exact same program as yourself. Everyone else deserves to fail.
Only partially joking. But it seems to feel like that to more than a few posters. Personally, I really don't care how you are trying to lose weight. Most people here have probably tried a few things before giving this a try. Some will move on from here to another plan that will work for them when this fails for them.
yeah, sometimes it does feel that way on this forum...or on any other fitness/weight loss discussion groups...have you been on bodybuilding.com? oh man...
Pffft. I don't think it's true at all. People just recommend to use a scale when someone comes posting that they're not losing weight... Bottom line is most people have no idea how much they are eating unless they log everything and weigh their food. But obviously if they overestimate everything, they'll lose weight just fine... I just think most people have no estimating skills at all.
What would Dr. House say..."Really, people lie? shocking!". what you said is also true but...as quite a few posters have expressed...some people are better than others when it comes to ...how to put it...estimate or self control or naturally "better" at eating. And as serious it may sound, I think the majority of the population aren't obese or need to lose weight, even in America. 0 -
Edit: I messed up the quote. Re-doing.0
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I lost weight easily without a food scale because I was overestimating. Turns out that WITH a food scale, I get to eat a lot more and am much happier. On the other hand, people can underestimate their food and end up not losing that much. It goes both ways.0
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I've never weighed my food because it is just too much of a hassle. Logging however, is a must (for me anyway).0
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I love my food scale and obsessively weigh everything. I prefer it over measuring cups, really. It's the right weigh (haha) for me. I'm kinda crazy like that, and I don't mind :drinker:0
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I weigh everything but then I cook from scratch daily, often using recipes (UK) and things are given in weights, so I see no change in using scales, teaspoons, tablespoons, jugs to measure now. I adapt recipes to omit or lower higher calorie items and sometimes that is trial and error to find what works so weighing helps me know for next time.
But if you don't cook that way typically then I guess just having less of the calorie dense stuff and more of the other should work. I know that if I'm out and eating but want to stay reasonably on track that is how I choose what to eat from menus, shops etc.0 -
I wonder if it's mostly Americans and Canadians that are resistant to weighing their food since it's otherwise not done.
What I'd observe isn't so much resistance to weighing food, but many people not seeing the point.
For me, I end up with such large deficits after a decent training session then I'm unable to consume the volumes. There is absolutely no value to me in adding hassle.
What I find interesting is that for many threads there is an instant do you weigh... response, without any real exploration of the context. For many people weighing and measuring just isn't practical.
Of course the same thing applies in fitness threads when some respondents just weigh in regardless of the question asked and give a very simplistic answer. In the absence of context, mostly it's meaningless.
the motto of this forum is (or at lease one of them) "you don't weigh your food, you deserve to fail".
I should have added this as another reason I haven't been weighing my food: Contrariness in response to the aggressive accusations in other forum threads, "you don't weigh your food, you're eating more than you think you are."
I also had a huge deficit on Saturday after a 4 hour bike ride with hill repeats that flamed my legs. The next day I had gained three pounds from fluid retention, seemingly wiping out two weeks worth of weight loss. Had I whined about it in a forum post, I have no doubt I would have been called out for not weighing my food.
You call that an aggressive accusation? Oh boy -
Well, I'm oversensitive (just ask my husband) but I thought it was aggresive in the context of the thread as I recall it.
When a user asks for advice when they're not getting the results they think they should, the first thing that happens is all the jaded oldtimers jump in with the food weighing thing without ever looking at their diary or getting any details about the poster. It could be one or more of many different things going wrong. But whatever, It's always the food weighing that is declared to be the culprit.0 -
most of my weight loss has come since i stopped weighing. When i fist joined mfp i weighed everthing and logged it to. But i didnt just weigh and go on no i fixed what i thought the serving size was then saw how off i was. This has helped me more in the long run and i try to keep a little log in my head but in general i just eat less then what i use to and im loseing well right now ( 2lbs a week) but i have a fair bit of weight to loose (94lbs more) now once it sows down or stops yes i will go back to weighing for a bit to see where i am at. But if he loses with out weighing be happy for him but if he finds he has trouble just kindly offer a scale to him0
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I wonder if it's mostly Americans and Canadians that are resistant to weighing their food since it's otherwise not done.
What I'd observe isn't so much resistance to weighing food, but many people not seeing the point.
For me, I end up with such large deficits after a decent training session then I'm unable to consume the volumes. There is absolutely no value to me in adding hassle.
What I find interesting is that for many threads there is an instant do you weigh... response, without any real exploration of the context. For many people weighing and measuring just isn't practical.
Of course the same thing applies in fitness threads when some respondents just weigh in regardless of the question asked and give a very simplistic answer. In the absence of context, mostly it's meaningless.
the motto of this forum is (or at lease one of them) "you don't weigh your food, you deserve to fail".
I should have added this as another reason I haven't been weighing my food: Contrariness in response to the aggressive accusations in other forum threads, "you don't weigh your food, you're eating more than you think you are."
I also had a huge deficit on Saturday after a 4 hour bike ride with hill repeats that flamed my legs. The next day I had gained three pounds from fluid retention, seemingly wiping out two weeks worth of weight loss. Had I whined about it in a forum post, I have no doubt I would have been called out for not weighing my food.
You call that an aggressive accusation? Oh boy -
Well, I'm oversensitive (just ask my husband) but I thought it was aggresive in the context of the thread as I recall it.
When a user asks for advice when they're not getting the results they think they should, the first thing that happens is all the jaded oldtimers jump in with the food weighing thing without ever looking at their diary or getting any details about the poster. It could be one or more of many different things going wrong. But whatever, It's always the food weighing that is declared to be the culprit.
a). You can't look in their diaries typically because they aren't public. Some attempt to offer guesses when the user is asked to make the diary public and they decline
b). After looking at the diaries, you see these perfectly round numbers that tend to indicate the user has grabbed an entry from the database without verifying they're using the same quantity of food. Or when the quantity is completely unspecified, you'd want to know if they really created that entry, say, using the recipe function, or just grabbed a meal that they don't know what's in it
These are signs of inaccurate logging. If you have a better way to help people figure out why they're not losing weight when *they* post a question asking just this, I encourage you to participate on more of those threads and help them out0 -
Original PostMy husband has decided to lose weight, but he doesn't want to weigh his food (or log his food really). He said if he stops losing, he'll consider it.
I don't get it... Why not start with something that works if you're really determined to do it?
And we get to thisa). You can't look in their diaries typically because they aren't public. Some attempt to offer guesses when the user is asked to make the diary public and they decline
b). After looking at the diaries, you see these perfectly round numbers that tend to indicate the user has grabbed an entry from the database without verifying they're using the same quantity of food. Or when the quantity is completely unspecified, you'd want to know if they really created that entry, say, using the recipe function, or just grabbed a meal that they don't know what's in it
These are signs of inaccurate logging. If you have a better way to help people figure out why they're not losing weight when *they* post a question asking just this, I encourage you to participate on more of those threads and help them out
The question wasn't why they aren't losing weight.0
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