Database

ChubbyBunny

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!

Double check to make sure your food isn't in the data base already before you make a new one. That way we don't end up with 50 entries for the EXACT same thing, with maybe slight variations on the name.

Also, if you aren't POSITIVE of the nutrition information/serving size don't save it to the database! Just use it for a personal guide for that one time til you are positive you have the correct information. Double check resturant websites, use an online recipe calculator, do it by hand..... Whatever it takes to get accurate information stored to the database so the info there is reliable. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it can be frustrating. It will be worth it though!

Sorry to rant a little, but it's becoming a pain to wade through so many repeat entries with varying serving sizes and trying to figure out which is right? Making me do the research and finding a lot that are wrong.

I love that the database is growing and more stuff is showing up, but we need to make an effort to keep it correct. Since it's important and could throw off counts if not correct. I also am loving the increase in "personal" recipes that are showing up in the recipe section and having those recipes stored in the database as well! It's awesome because I love to try recipes....that have already been tried and found good. Cause I have made my share of meal bombs in my day trying to tweak things to be healthier.

I love you guys and hope you are all having success here, not matter what your goals are!
:flowerforyou:

ChubbyBunny

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!

Double check to make sure your food isn't in the data base already before you make a new one. That way we don't end up with 50 entries for the EXACT same thing, with maybe slight variations on the name.

Also, if you aren't POSITIVE of the nutrition information/serving size don't save it to the database! Just use it for a personal guide for that one time til you are positive you have the correct information. Double check resturant websites, use an online recipe calculator, do it by hand..... Whatever it takes to get accurate information stored to the database so the info there is reliable. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it can be frustrating. It will be worth it though!

Sorry to rant a little, but it's becoming a pain to wade through so many repeat entries with varying serving sizes and trying to figure out which is right? Making me do the research and finding a lot that are wrong.

I love that the database is growing and more stuff is showing up, but we need to make an effort to keep it correct. Since it's important and could throw off counts if not correct. I also am loving the increase in "personal" recipes that are showing up in the recipe section and having those recipes stored in the database as well! It's awesome because I love to try recipes....that have already been tried and found good. Cause I have made my share of meal bombs in my day trying to tweak things to be healthier.

I love you guys and hope you are all having success here, not matter what your goals are!
:flowerforyou:

GoingToLoseIt

You are so right! i've found the same thing - with just a difference in spelling! We need to be really careful, as we are trying to keep an accurate count! Thanks for the topic! :happy:

peej76

One thing I have noticed is the calorie count can be different on the exact same product, depending on where you live. I don't know if that's where alot of inconsistencies are coming in, but it can be annoying.

ChubbyBunny

One thing I have noticed is the calorie count can be different on the exact same product, depending on where you live. I don't know if that's where alot of inconsistencies are coming in, but it can be annoying.

I agree, that is kind of annoying, and am not sure it's the reason for variances.
I know that there can be some major differences between US, Canada, and Eruope.
Maybe making a note some where in the title would help.

I am not sure, I was looking up McDonalds Iced Sugar-free Vanilla Coffee, medium. Ended up finding 5 different versions of the same thing with 3 different "serving sizes". So I went to the site to double check and they were all off, when compared to the US nutrition info.

I know it's frustrating to more then myself, since I've seen this topic posted before. It is extremely accurate though for everyone. Cause I'll be honest, I sometimes take info from MFP at face value and can't do the research.

peej76

That's a good idea, maybe using abbreviations for the Country you're in when entering the data would help to cut down on some. But sadly some of the entries are just carlessness or ignorance....just not knowing how to enter it correctly.

ChubbyBunny

That's a good idea, maybe using abbreviations for the Country you're in when entering the data would help to cut down on some. But sadly some of the entries are just carlessness or ignorance....just not knowing how to enter it correctly.

Exactly, and that's the issue.
This is a very important venture for many here.
So, having as close to the facts as possible helps take a lot of the "stress" out of weight loss (IMHO).

Sunibc22

I have also found several discrepancies. I have added something to the data base that was already there but the info was incorrect. I always but (Canada) after what the item is though so that it'll be more accurate. I'm now in the habit of looking at the package cals before entering it and look to see if the cals match in the data base before I accept it as accurate.

ChubbyBunny

I have also found several discrepancies. I have added something to the data base that was already there but the info was incorrect. I always but (Canada) after what the item is though so that it'll be more accurate. I'm now in the habit of looking at the package cals before entering it and look to see if the cals match in the data base before I accept it as accurate.

Awesome! It is so helpful!

Also, don't forget you CAN edit Nutrition info.
I am not sure if it makes a duplicate entry with corrections or just corrects the first one, so if anyone knows that would be great information.

GoingToLoseIt

Bumping this because I think everyone should see it.

And yes - does anyone know if editing corrects it, or just submits a new version? Should we test it?

DisneyBride13

This is very interesting.

I am extremely careful with anything "data-entry" lol..it's what I do for a living so it just comes second nature! I never even thought about entries being "off"

I also like the idea of putting an abbr. on the title thats a really good point!

...maybe putting USA-Exact on the end will help too for those of us getting the exact nutritional information on things we enter...

Cheers!