How would you log this? Or would you?

radosti1

I have people coming for passover seder. I cooked for 4 hrs last night and did not log it. Got up this morning and have been cooking since 8am. It's 2pm now and I am completely beat. I still have to make a few things. But those will be closer to eating time. I have to clean some more still. Anyway, normally, I don't log cooking. But this is a marathon of cooking. I've made 2 pots of soup, turkey/matzoh patties, eggplant caviar, pulled beef, matzoh balls are almost ready, salad needs to be assembled... you get my point. And clean clean clean, wash wash wash.

So, would you log it, and if so, how? Cause I will need the calories for dinner. I know cooking is an activity on here, but it seems insane to log 6 hrs of cooking. Even 3 seems over the top. Did I really burn all that?

jenlarz

I've seen people log cooking, did you check the database?

radosti1

Yeah, but to log 6 hrs of what's listed as cooking on here would show something close to or over 1000 cals. Seems insane.

Hollybot

I think you answered your own question. If you think it is insane, then don't log it!

UpEarly

I have a BodyMedia Fit that tracks my activity and metabolism throughout the day. Last Sunday morning, I spent 162 minutes in the kitchen doing food prep, cooking and dishes. In that time, I burned 623 calories. If I'd been sitting on the couch relaxing with a book, I would have only burned 178 calories.

So... in short - it's DEFINITELY worth logging. Cooking/food prep is actually an option in the MFP exercise database.

radosti1

Right, but I am tired and sweaty, so I definitely burned some calories. It's insane to log 1000 cals. But what would be closer to the truth.

lizblizz28

You could split your total time cooking into a few hours of cooking and a few hours of walking at a moderately slow pace. This would account for you being on your feet all that time and walking around to get what you need.

radosti1

I have a BodyMedia Fit that tracks my activity and metabolism throughout the day. Last Sunday morning, I spent 162 minutes in the kitchen doing food prep, cooking and dishes. In that time, I burned 623 calories. If I'd been sitting on the couch relaxing with a book, I would have only burned 178 calories.

So... in short - it's DEFINITELY worth logging. Cooking/food prep is actually an option in the MFP exercise database.

Wow, really? Then maybe it's not insane. I should have put my HRM on. But I didn't. Blah.

deeannhill

IF the activity is significantly more than what you normally do in the same stretch of time, the log it. However, in this case, I think the question of "eating back exercise calories" is insignificant. Enjoy your Passover Feast!

rmhand

I would log something. How much time would you say you actually did spend cooking? From your descriptions I'd easily give you 500 calories.

doyledozo

If I can burn 1000 calories taking an hour and a half walk (HRM) I dont see any reason why you can't burn that in 6 hours bustin *kitten* in a hot kitchen. Whenever I need to log something like that I claim about 3/4 of the actual time. That's just me though.

kittzle

When I do cooking or cleaning (or the walking part of shopping), I usually log half the time I did. So if I cooked for 2 hours, I just log 1 hour. Makes the calories burned seem a little more realistic to me.

As for shopping, I usually log walking at the slowest speed. Why? Because they say you burn 100 calories/hour just by standing up.

mamagooskie

I wouldn't log it.

SyntonicGarden

Split the difference, log half, and just watch what you eat tonight. Have a wonderful seder!

LatinaGordita

I personally would not log it, unless I was wearing a heart rate monitor. MFP over estimates. If I were in your shoes, I would enjoy easter dinner in moderation, and just log my cals even if I am over. If you put the 1000 cals MFP estimates you might go way over your actual cals, if you do not add them it will keep you making moderate choices for dinner.

doyledozo

When I do cooking or cleaning (or the walking part of shopping), I usually log half the time I did. So if I cooked for 2 hours, I just log 1 hour. Makes the calories burned seem a little more realistic to me.

As for shopping, I usually log walking at the slowest speed. Why? Because they say you burn 100 calories/hour just by standing up.

^^^^ This...but she said it better

Microfiber_wechange

Thank you. I've just logged my 1 hour of cleaning today which I wouldn't have done if I hadn't read this thread

MdmAcolyte

If 6 hours of cooking is equal to 1,000 calories, that breaks down to about 160 calories and hour. I dont think that is unfeasible to log per hour. You do that sitting around and typing and such... Id log it since its not an "everyday" activity.

ThatCindyGirl

Most people don't realize the physical effects of cooking but growing up in the kitchen I can tell you...it may sound insane but its a great way to burn way...just like fishing lol 6 hours of cooking? Think about it. You are on your feet, moving around the kitchen, constantly using your arms to stir, chop and gather stuff...and the heat that you build up in the kitchen tends to break a good sweat. 6 hours. Think again...1000 calories in 6 hours is not that insane. I say you should log it. If you feel you didn't burn that much tweak it. The only way to really know a more accurate total is to use something like a fit bit/calorie counter/HRM.

SPNLuver83

I wouldn't. I don't think daily activities or chores should be logged, but to each his own.

jennifer52484

Compare it so an exersize that you do more often. Better to log less calories burned especially if your plan is to eat them.