How to Find Foods without an Asterisk

alyssareyans

How do you find foods in the database that don't have an asterisk besides them? I believe in the sexypants thread (not sure if it was that one or not) it said to use foods without an asterisk because those were from the USDA website. But when I search the database I never get foods that don't have an asterisk beside them.

What am I doing wrong?

dont_tap_my_aces

If the food you are eating has a bar code and nutritional facts label, just scan the bar code and compare to what the label says.

if its way off (or missing macros) you can choose to correct/edit it and add in the info. probably the easiest way to go.

kr1stadee

Are you using the webpage or app? I don't see the asterisks on the app, but I do on the website.
They can be hard to spot because there are SOOO many user entered items.

Change the way you search (try using a keyword, like raw, for example)

And whatever you do, if you add a food, don't add it to the database, just keep it for you to use! As you can see, there are already a TON of items entered, and a lot are incorrect - to me at least - some US serving info is different than Canadian info, so if I add it, I don't put it in the database.

alyssareyans

If the food you are eating has a bar code and nutritional facts label, just scan the bar code and compare to what the label says.

if its way off (or missing macros) you can choose to correct/edit it and add in the info. probably the easiest way to go.

How would I scan it?

Are you using the webpage or app? I don't see the asterisks on the app, but I do on the website.
They can be hard to spot because there are SOOO many user entered items.

Change the way you search (try using a keyword, like raw, for example)

And whatever you do, if you add a food, don't add it to the database, just keep it for you to use! As you can see, there are already a TON of items entered, and a lot are incorrect - to me at least - some US serving info is different than Canadian info, so if I add it, I don't put it in the database.

I use the webpage. I don't think I've added to the database. I build my own recipes and use the recipe builder. Does that add to the database? I didn't think it did since I match ingredients.

acheben

Try adding "USDA" or "raw" to the search terms. This usually brings up the USDA listing, if it exists in the database.

kr1stadee

show previous quotes

If the food you are eating has a bar code and nutritional facts label, just scan the bar code and compare to what the label says.

if its way off (or missing macros) you can choose to correct/edit it and add in the info. probably the easiest way to go.

How would I scan it?

show previous quotes

Are you using the webpage or app? I don't see the asterisks on the app, but I do on the website.
They can be hard to spot because there are SOOO many user entered items.

Change the way you search (try using a keyword, like raw, for example)

And whatever you do, if you add a food, don't add it to the database, just keep it for you to use! As you can see, there are already a TON of items entered, and a lot are incorrect - to me at least - some US serving info is different than Canadian info, so if I add it, I don't put it in the database.

I use the webpage. I don't think I've added to the database. I build my own recipes and use the recipe builder. Does that add to the database? I didn't think it did since I match ingredients.

^^ Only if you check the box that says "add to database"

**ETA - The barcode scanner is on the app (phones, ipads/tablets, ipods, etc)

lemurcat12

Use the plural (carrots) and the term "raw" and that usually brings up fruits and vegetables. For meat use "raw" or "cooked" and details--"chicken breast raw" usually brings up the various non-asterisked options to choose from, or "chicken breast cooked."

TeaBea

This thread is super helpful...........

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

ahoier

Yep, that's one caveat of the "app" - it does not display the Asterisk.....USDA entries......usually you can pick them out...just one of the limitations hehe.

Usually addiing "Raw" to the search will find these entries.....all else, match up the nutrition facts between the label and the app.....modify if necessary.


And that's another limitation....the app does not allow 'modifying" foods.....only the option to "Create New food"......kind of a pain

alyssareyans

Thanks everyone. I use the website so I'll definitely start using the suggested keywords to see if it comes up. I might actually give in and download the app (I'm not an app person) just to be able to scan things too. While I'm not an app person I am lazy at times

alyssareyans

Just downloaded the app for the barcode scanner. I am in love. Thanks for letting me know about that. It makes it so much easier. You guys are awesome. I have learned so much here.