Calories - not even close to what you're consuming?

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jjrichard83
jjrichard83 Posts: 483 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I was flamed here last week for saying I do not count my calories anymore & I still am posting great losses. I am still tracking, but that is because I am curious about sugar & protein intake & testing a few theories.

A friend recently posted this video where he finds out if the calories listed are actually the calories in the product. What he found, was in a typical day he would have eaten over 500 calories extra than what the labels actually say. It's not a scientific study, but the results are still shocking. Take a moment to watch the video please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGunZpKLb5o


Most were within 10% or so, but once you add up ALL the food that is over, that is pretty substancial. Especially for those of you on a 1200 calorie diet - an extra 150-300 calories could be slowing down your progress or halting it all together.

I know many - like myself UNDERESTIMATE the amount of food we are actually eating (until we actually start weighing and measuring). Just something to think about when you are recording your calories and adding 1/2 cup of rice when you know you ate 3/4. ;)

Replies

  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
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    By law, all food labels are allowed to be in error of 20%. Just another reason to avoid food that needs nutritional labeling and ingredient lists as much as possible. I didn't watch your video, but the NY Times just posted a story about this the other day:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/opinion/calorie-detective.html
  • pink_ribbon_1
    pink_ribbon_1 Posts: 46 Member
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    By law, all food labels are allowed to be in error of 20%. Just another reason to avoid food that needs nutritional labeling and ingredient lists as much as possible. I didn't watch your video, but the NY Times just posted a story about this the other day:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/opinion/calorie-detective.html

    thank you!
  • rocket_ace
    rocket_ace Posts: 380 Member
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    I saw this too (thru the NY times) - made me really angry, particularly the pre-bagged vegan sandwiches which list 244 calories, but is 548 calories. jail time, all I can say.
  • jjrichard83
    jjrichard83 Posts: 483 Member
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    Thanks for the post melsinct. 20% seems like a large amount though since pretty much all would not be under, but over.

    Good tip on eating clean too!
  • jjrichard83
    jjrichard83 Posts: 483 Member
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    I saw this too (thru the NY times) - made me really angry, particularly the pre-bagged vegan sandwiches which list 244 calories, but is 548 calories. jail time, all I can say.

    imagine some people getting in the habit of buying that day after day thinking they are making a good choice?
  • vanguardfitness
    vanguardfitness Posts: 720 Member
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    That's why I cook and measure things at home for the most part.

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