do you add the calories from spices?

AndiPandi687
AndiPandi687 Posts: 48
edited November 10 in Food and Nutrition
i just found out that spices (chili powder, cumin, basil, etc.) have calories! i guess i never thought about it before...when you're counting your calories do you include the calories of spices into your journal?
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Replies

  • lfondots
    lfondots Posts: 216 Member
    Hmm, didn't know some of my spices really had calories that made a difference. Can't wait to see what others say.
  • Cathyvil
    Cathyvil Posts: 230 Member
    I always use the recipe calculator when I make something new so that I can go back and adjust later and easily add to my diary, especially since I always have leftovers. With the calculator I always add in spices so yep!
  • cooter2533
    cooter2533 Posts: 108
    I never count spices when cooking, for me personally I don't believe 5-20 calories from spices is going to make or break my weight loss
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
    I NEVER count the calories in spices. They are "free" on my diet, so I use 'em all the time. Not counting them hasn't really hurt my weight loss before!
  • bllowry
    bllowry Posts: 239 Member
    I add them so when I'm looking through my recipes to plan meals it reminds me to make sure I have the herb/spice on hand or on the grocery list. I agree the few calories in them won't make or break my calorie count, but is has made me adjust both recipes and what I buy as many of the powdered/granulated spices are loaded with salt!
  • Freakynympho
    Freakynympho Posts: 2
    I usually try to add everything labeled with calories.Some spices show none on label.I really don't think it will make a big impact.I add everything I can just to try to have a more accurate calculation.
  • lukeout007
    lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
    I can't imagine the spices...even in a meal that has a lot of them would add up to more than 4 or 5 cals...
  • Laces_0ut
    Laces_0ut Posts: 3,750 Member
    a lot of the hot sauces i use say 0 cal but thats just for 1 serving. i REALLY like hot sauce so i load up on it and i wonder how many calories it really is.
  • mes1119
    mes1119 Posts: 1,082 Member
    I never count spices when cooking, for me personally I don't believe 5-20 calories from spices is going to make or break my weight loss

    this.
  • sporker101
    sporker101 Posts: 16 Member
    I do not add those, nor do I add condiments unless I use an excessive amount in a recipe like egg salad. I'm really not that nitpicky.
  • mcorange01
    mcorange01 Posts: 33 Member
    Easy to scan them from your phone with the label scanner feature!! A few won't matter most of the days. But over time add up!!
  • rovernio
    rovernio Posts: 157
    no never geuss they dont have alot of calories
  • ashnm88
    ashnm88 Posts: 748
    I count them when I'm putting in a recipe.
  • tammyc226
    tammyc226 Posts: 158 Member
    I log everything I eat. Even if it has 0 calories. I know the spices won't really matter but I want an accurate picture of my eating habits
  • Bumdrahp
    Bumdrahp Posts: 1,314 Member
    Wow! I NEVER knew spices could add calories! I use spices on my tilapia and chicken to make it less bland. Ugh, every calorie counts. But, i need to loosen up a little!
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,861 Member
    Even most foods that say zero calories actually have a small number of calories. I think the government standard is it can have up to five calories and still be called zero. Counting spices would be a bit obsessive to me but if you like doing it, go for it.

    The thing to remember is that everything we enter is an estimate anyway. I'd be surprised if actual numbers are within 10% a day even if we count and measure perfectly. .
  • giadatje
    giadatje Posts: 59
    I always add my spices. I agree that 5-20 calories make no difference. But my goal is not only watching out for calories, but mainly for sodium (physician recommendation). And some of them have a lot of sodium :frown:
  • tigerpaw143
    tigerpaw143 Posts: 4
    I do not add them... If you use the correct spices you are added such healthy things into your food the calories or not important.. MANY spices have amazing benefits including weight loss
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    Cinnamon is a big one! Maybe since I cover my food in it so often xD But yes I do include them.

    I like to look back at my diaries and remember what spices I likes and used! More out of interest and recipe tracking to me than anything though
  • SharmelleOlson
    SharmelleOlson Posts: 85 Member
    I try to but I forget to do it a lot lol!
  • laurarpa
    laurarpa Posts: 244 Member
    I only do sometimes so I know how I prepped something for the next time or if it has sodium since I track that. I'm not worried about the calories, which are minimal. I also track artificial sweeteners/diet drinks, because that's something I want to watch my intake of, as well.

    one thing I probably should track but don't is sugarless gum ^ mostly for the above reason of AS :)
  • angieleighbyrd
    angieleighbyrd Posts: 989 Member
    I do. Even ones that don't have calories so I can watch my sodium.
  • Beastette
    Beastette Posts: 1,497 Member
    I only do sometimes so I know how I prepped something for the next time or if it has sodium since I track that. I'm not worried about the calories, which are minimal. I also track artificial sweeteners/diet drinks, because that's something I want to watch my intake of, as well.

    one thing I probably should track but don't is sugarless gum ^ mostly for the above reason of AS :)

    Same.
  • kappyblu
    kappyblu Posts: 654 Member
    If you are watching your sodium intake and the spice has significant sodium in it, then yes. If not and you are using miniscule amounts, I wouldn't worry about it.

    For example: a teaspoon of cinnamon has about 6 calories, that is about 2.6 grams. You can find accurate information from the USDA site for these:

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/list

    :flowerforyou:
  • chicpeach
    chicpeach Posts: 302 Member
    I count them if it has either calories or sodium. If it has neither, I don't bother tracking it.
  • sheschemes
    sheschemes Posts: 67
    I add them because I'm tracking all the changes I'm making to my eating habits. This includes things like sodium or just changes in taste. You probably don't need to bother if you're just looking at the calories.
  • littlelily613
    littlelily613 Posts: 769 Member
    I never count them unless I am using a large amount that I will likely eat in one sitting (ie. a tbsp or two of chili powder in my pot of chili I might count). I would never worry about sprinking some cumin into my stirfry or curry though. I don't think I use enough to add up to much, so I don't waste my time. It has never hindered me in the past, so I just treat it as nothing really.
  • JayByrd107
    JayByrd107 Posts: 282 Member
    Only when I'm doing the Cinnamon Challenge.
  • Annec0911
    Annec0911 Posts: 48
    hmmm...having just decided to really watch sodium intake, I need to closely examine labels on spices...cracked pepper is my current fave....

    I could use fresh herbs more, but I don't use them fast enough when I purchase them and end up tossing a fair amount.
    I have a very black thumb when it comes to growing them...

    having just thought about that, I recall that you can freeze some fresh herbs...hmmm

    going to spice rack to check labels now....and looking up which fresh herbs freeze well....

    Interesting post!
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    Well jeez... how much are you putting in at a time? I would never add spices in unless I was adding like 2 cups worth of fresh parsley or something.
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