Why are there so many problems with product information that is already in the database.
amarkula
Posts: 15 Member
Use case:
I scan in an EAN-code for turkey slice and input 9 grams.
Result I get is 3,766kJ (about 900kcal) and that it includes distribution of 18/35.1/126 grams of nutritions.
Probably before you read this line, you already know where's the problem, so why are all these in the database?
Bad data in, bad data out and bad data can't be turned into gems.
Or if contributions are encouraged over exactness, there should be a way to resolve all items that break the laws of nature, maybe just let them expire very quickly, as no one will get the benefit for 126grams of protein from 9 grams of turkey.
My vote would go into exact values over other values, but that may be because of my background.
And while I write this, How do I copy community contributed entry to my foods and add (correct) serving size to it?
I scan in an EAN-code for turkey slice and input 9 grams.
Result I get is 3,766kJ (about 900kcal) and that it includes distribution of 18/35.1/126 grams of nutritions.
Probably before you read this line, you already know where's the problem, so why are all these in the database?
Bad data in, bad data out and bad data can't be turned into gems.
Or if contributions are encouraged over exactness, there should be a way to resolve all items that break the laws of nature, maybe just let them expire very quickly, as no one will get the benefit for 126grams of protein from 9 grams of turkey.
My vote would go into exact values over other values, but that may be because of my background.
And while I write this, How do I copy community contributed entry to my foods and add (correct) serving size to it?
0
Replies
-
Use case:
I scan in an EAN-code for turkey slice and input 9 grams.
Result I get is 3,766kJ (about 900kcal) and that it includes distribution of 18/35.1/126 grams of nutritions.
Probably before you read this line, you already know where's the problem, so why are all these in the database?
Bad data in, bad data out and bad data can't be turned into gems.
Or if contributions are encouraged over exactness, there should be a way to resolve all items that break the laws of nature, maybe just let them expire very quickly, as no one will get the benefit for 126grams of protein from 9 grams of turkey.
My vote would go into exact values over other values, but that may be because of my background.
And while I write this, How do I copy community contributed entry to my foods and add (correct) serving size to it?
The solution is to check the entries the first time you use them, and make sure they're right. The database is crowd-sourced, which means it's very extensive (which is good), but also that it contains inaccurate entries (either from careless users, or in some cases products that have changed formulations since first being entered, or because formulations of the same-named product differ between countries. Scanning doesn't get you better (more accurate) entries, it just gets you entries some user linked to the bar code. For most foods/products, there's an accurate entry in the database. If not, correct the one that's there, or add it yourself.
When you look up a food in the database, and log it in your day, it will get added to your "frequent/recent foods", and default to the quantity you last used. Next time you do a search (in the app), your frequent/recent entry will come up first, and you can accept the quantity or change it, whichever suits you. (In the web browser version of MFP, as opposed to the app, the food search works a little differently, but you still have an easy option to rely on your own recent/frequent foods.)
This all sounds kind of weird, I know, and there's extra checking when you first start that seems time-consuming, but as you get more recent/frequent foods, own saved recipes, own saved meals, it just keeps getting quicker and easier.
Hang in there.10 -
I think that's good way to move forward. Yet, in the future I see bigger haystack with multiple needles. I still think that incorrect data should be removed. Incorrect is easy to calculate. Feels weird bug/oversight after 15 years of developement.1
-
There is a simple solution. All MFP has to do is drop the ones people don't use. Over time all the bad ones will be gone. But, they are too stupid or too cheap to perform this obvious fix.5
-
@wilson10102018 You seem to have one of those critical minds.
Have you found an perfect app, I would be interested, as this road I'm taking seems to have too many excursions.0 -
@wilson10102018 You seem to have one of those critical minds.
Have you found an perfect app, I would be interested, as this road I'm taking seems to have too many excursions.
You just have to look it up through Google first, then choose a database item that matches the truth. Pick that one and then it is your recent items.0 -
Thanks for replies, but I guess I'll try another one next.
First 200 days went without almost any excersice and still dropped about 8kg so it's good.
But, I guess 200 days is also enough to see what are apps strong points and what need a bit of improvement.
Any recomendations for next 200?0 -
Use case:
I scan in an EAN-code for turkey slice and input 9 grams.
Result I get is 3,766kJ (about 900kcal) and that it includes distribution of 18/35.1/126 grams of nutritions.
Probably before you read this line, you already know where's the problem, so why are all these in the database?
Bad data in, bad data out and bad data can't be turned into gems.
Or if contributions are encouraged over exactness, there should be a way to resolve all items that break the laws of nature, maybe just let them expire very quickly, as no one will get the benefit for 126grams of protein from 9 grams of turkey.
My vote would go into exact values over other values, but that may be because of my background.
And while I write this, How do I copy community contributed entry to my foods and add (correct) serving size to it?
Exactly how are you "inputting 9 grams"? Are you assuming the serving size is a gram without checking it, and saying 9 servings?
I'm not saying there aren't a lot of bad entries in the database, but user error is always a possibility too.2 -
Thanks for replies, but I guess I'll try another one next.
First 200 days went without almost any excersice and still dropped about 8kg so it's good.
But, I guess 200 days is also enough to see what are apps strong points and what need a bit of improvement.
Any recomendations for next 200?
You could try Cronometer1 -
Mazintrov13 wrote: »You could try Cronometer
Thanks, I will.
...and did. This looks pretty promising.0 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Exactly how are you "inputting 9 grams"? Are you assuming the serving size is a gram without checking it, and saying 9 servings?
I'm not saying there aren't a lot of bad entries in the database, but user error is always a possibility too.
I would like to have 1 serving of 9 grams of ham, please. If I make 2 sandwiches, then I'll take and type 2. And one day I'll have standardized my own sandwich and it will be perfect and glorious and eaten.
If I can not have that, I begin by selecting serving of 1 gram and 9 of those servings.
I mostly end up making own food items, after typing grams in few times. Mainly because ease of use is what make it a lot faster to log what ever I eat. I don't like to calculate, if I can count. -- Or I just take values directly from manufacturer's homepage If I don't have scale. Some even write how many slices should be in the package. (or I'll use goverment issued truthiness from https://fineli.fi/fineli/en/ )
btw, I say that user error is the most realistic way how "error" happends. Of course no one makes them, but still it is what's told to students when they begin their first labs.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions