How much does your meat weigh?!

Thanks Susan..No, I was just talking about some frozen chicken breast from anywhere, and really any type of food that's typically measured..is grams the standard for measuring?

Yes all macro and micro nutrients are per gram for solid foods, nutrition and dietetics are scientific disciplines. Cups are a convenience tool, they aren't used in many countries and they aren't used in pharmacies or laboratories AFAIK.

I've weighed both before, and after. I believe 4 oz of raw chicken came out to about 3 oz of cooked chicken. If you check the MFP database, I think 4 oz of grilled chicken comes out at a higher calorie count than what you get with the raw numbers.

I was always told to weigh it after you cook it....now I don't know.

I wondered this also, because the meat shrivels up after its prepared.

When using the database there are options for raw and cooked, so just make sure you are using the one for method you are using.

Also sometimes I will weigh something and picked the wrong one on how it is listed in the database. 1 oz equals 28 grams (actually 28.349) so you can convert it to meet the database listing.

Also, very good info in the comments. I didn't know you should measure before cooking. I would think after also since it could vary in size after cooking. Does anyone know WHY you should weigh before as opposed to after?

The reason I weigh raw is because "cooked" can mean different things to different people. You know, shoe leather or bloody as hell. The water content of your cooking may be different than the one listed...raw is raw.
The USDA db has raw values so I think that is more consistant in water/calorie content.

I've weighed both before, and after. I believe 4 oz of raw chicken came out to about 3 oz of cooked chicken. If you check the MFP database, I think 4 oz of grilled chicken comes out at a higher calorie count than what you get with the raw numbers.

This makes sense also. Is there anything you guys weigh besides meat? I know measuring cups can cover quite a bit, but I saw one person say condiments, I never thought of that.

Everything. Rice potatoes, veg, yoghurt, sugar, flour...you name it. When I make fridge oatmeal, it's easy to add greek yoghurt from a big tub by putting the jar on the scale, zeroing it and adding stuff. Then zero again and add the next ingredient.

The title of his thread is highly misleading and I am thoroughly disappointed by the lack of humorous replies about meat size from the guys. ;-))

Yeah me too.

If the label says 4oz serving = such and such, they are going by uncooked weight. That is how the MUST label, same with restaurants.

Definately weigh!! Portions in a container are usually not portioned correctly!!

I find it varies greatly! I invested in a kitchen scale a long time ago and get much more accurate calorie results. Always weigh uncooked, as the weight of cooked meat can vary hugely (based on how much water is still in it).

Love this post. I have been trying to figure all these things out too...:huh: However with all the different answers, do I just pick the one I like most and go with that :noway: ^ If the before weight includes water why would that be included in serving size? ? Wouldn't it be more accurate after cooking all the water ( or juices) out ? I may be more confused than ever :sad: PS( did enjoy Troll like comments, all I could do not to run with them too ):laugh: