Why you can't trust calorie counts

honkytonks85

This is an interesting (and disheartening video) where a man tests the actual calorie count for takeaway food items vs what the label said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hE2lna5Wxuo#

Aello11

I saw that on yahoo awhile ago and yeah found it interesting how many "extra" calories we are probably eating without knowing it.

but i imagine the same subway sandwich order would never have the same exact calorie count unless they weighed everything first

Katetw

consumer reports just had an article about this recently. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/03/how-accurate-are-chain-restaurant-calorie-counts/index.htm

Their main point was, nothing is exact, the chef is not back there measuring out the olive oil, but that it's usually more or less accurate, on average, a good guess within 100-200 calories.

Of course that kind of difference can wreak havoc on me, my total allowance is 1150, so an extra 200 could really screw me up.

But I think the thing to remember is--make good choices, have small portions, and enjoy your rare night out.

lauren3101

I've seen loads of things like this recently. Packaging on food, restaurants, now take-aways.

Trouble is, the majority of us still manage to lose weight while enjoying the occasional take-away, and eating some form of packaged food. I know I am. So I don't take any notice of these reports, I'd drive myself crazy.

NutellaAddict

consumer reports just had an article about this recently. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/03/how-accurate-are-chain-restaurant-calorie-counts/index.htm

Their main point was, nothing is exact, the chef is not back there measuring out the olive oil, but that it's usually more or less accurate, on average, a good guess within 100-200 calories.

Of course that kind of difference can wreak havoc on me, my total allowance is 1150, so an extra 200 could really screw me up.

But I think the thing to remember is--make good choices, have small portions, and enjoy your rare night out.

Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your "total allowance." ....but that's for another thread. I agree with the OP

rduhlir

I saw that on yahoo awhile ago and yeah found it interesting how many "extra" calories we are probably eating without knowing it.

but i imagine the same subway sandwich order would never have the same exact calorie count unless they weighed everything first

A 6" subway sandwich is two servings anyway. Their cold cut sizes are about 1 oz per slice. The average serving of deli meat is 2 oz...4 slices go on a 6"...so that is double the calories there. Then you have the cheese, and all the condiments on it and it adds up.

But either way everything is an estimate. The calorie allotment on here is an estimate. The 2000 calorie diet is an estimate. The calories you burn is only an estimate. You will drive yourself mad if you try to nit-pick down to the exact total.

twelfty

............... don't eat takeaways then?

honkytonks85

I've always been aware that calorie counting is an estimate - this is generally why I try to give myself some calorie buffering of 100-200 calories- I don't trust the calorie figures on most packaged food and I don't always find it convenient to weigh everything I eat.

And I think it's simplistic to suggest to 'not eat takeaways'. It's not always a choice. I work full time and sometimes I need to pick up something quickly to eat. No it won't be McDonald's but it might be a turkey sandwich from the grocery store. I'd like to think the calorie count on the package is somewhat close to accurate since when I am making decisions I base it on the nutritional information on the packet.

htimsm87

Looks like interesting articles.. Will read/watch later..

paperpudding

Fairly obvious to me that these estimates are only estimates - if the Subway server is more or less generous with the fillings or doesnt cut the 6 in at exactly half way etc - but it gives a good guide - if you follow the guide and get consistently around your calorie allowance, you will lose weight.

I mean, excercise is the same - if I walk the dog for 20 minutes, it might sometimes be 19 minutes and sometimes 21.

Exact counts to the last calorie/minute are not really the point.

Griffin220x

Interesting thread, Bump!

ironmonkeystyle

yikes. I've sometimes wondered about the accuracy of labels. Sometimes, you just get the sense that you ate more/less than the label says. I'm a little surprised that the Subway count came in under in the video. But I'm not surprised that undocumented bodega food (muffins and those "healthy" vegan sandwiches) were over their cal counts. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Katetw

Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your "total allowance." ....but that's for another thread. I agree with the OP

I am 4'9". To lose 1 lb a week, 1150 is where I need to be. When I exercise I do eat back those calories.

Thanks for your concern though.

honkytonks85

yikes. I've sometimes wondered about the accuracy of labels. Sometimes, you just get the sense that you ate more/less than the label says. I'm a little surprised that the Subway count came in under in the video. But I'm not surprised that undocumented bodega food (muffins and those "healthy" vegan sandwiches) were over their cal counts. Thanks for sharing. :-)

I think it's reasonable to expect that the fast food companies where everything is weighed out and standard across all stores may have more accurate counts than say the local takeout joint who may put 1 tablespoon of mayo on their sandwich or they may put 3.. some things can seriously add up (especially stuff like sauces and cheese). I always get a bit annoyed if I go somewhere and order a burger with a "little bit of sauce" and they still end up squirting tons on there.

charliemarie923

I am not going to read the articles or watch the vids...i like being in denial LOL
I hate knowing how many cals im eating anyway let alone thinking theyre way below their true cal count on the label...
Please dont pop my bubble