Count it before it's cooked or after?

SyntonicGarden
SyntonicGarden Posts: 944 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Another MFP member posted a simple recipe for microwave potato chips. (Really yummy, by the way.) The Yukon Gold potato that I used was 5.2 oz (~147g) and about 110 calories before I cut it up. I sliced it thin, put on parchment, sprinkled a little salt, and microwaved it. No oil. 3.5 minutes later, I had potato chips.

After I cooked it, it reduced to 1.1 oz (~31g). So how do I log it? Is it the original 5.2 oz because that's what the original potato was or is it 1.1, because that's now all 100% potato? Onions apparently increase in calories when you cook them because of something happening with the sugar. Anyone have any helpful ideas on taters? Help!

Thanks!

Replies

  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    Things like that I log as raw potatoes and take the weight prior to cooking. I log most vegetables as raw.
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member
    Things like that I log as raw potatoes and take the weight prior to cooking. I log most vegetables as raw.

    As do I. Cooking changes the water content, and therefore the weight, in unknown ways
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I base all my measurements (volume, weight, whatever) as the product was packaged... before I cook it, mix it, blend it, etc.
  • Nelski
    Nelski Posts: 1,607 Member
    Things like that I log as raw potatoes and take the weight prior to cooking. I log most vegetables as raw.

    As do I. Cooking changes the water content, and therefore the weight, in unknown ways

    Yes, this.
  • MariFitBody
    MariFitBody Posts: 287 Member
    I log everything prior to cooking.
  • daphnegetnfit
    daphnegetnfit Posts: 175
    I log everything prior to cooking.

    agree
  • anunknownmouse
    anunknownmouse Posts: 118
    Onions apparently increase in calories when you cook them because of something happening with the sugar.

    False, unless you add oil to the pan (or butter, etc.) cooking vegetables does not alter their calories. Calorie density might change when you cook food because that generally decreases their size, while maintaining the original amount of calories.
  • SyntonicGarden
    SyntonicGarden Posts: 944 Member
    Thanks for all of the help with this! :)
  • jilliew
    jilliew Posts: 255 Member
    This was really helpful for me, too, actually. I make a lot of stir frys and soups and I always wonder if I should be counting my veggeis as raw or cooked! Do you people have the same philosophy about meat?
  • LuckyLeprechaun
    LuckyLeprechaun Posts: 6,296 Member
    yes, weigh foods raw. Makes a BIG difference in things such as meat, PASTA! and anything that "cooks down" (like mushrooms)
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