Measurement Advice
 

Hi Everyone. I started calorie counting in mid-September and it is actually working for me. (The first time I have been able to lose steadily since 2004 :carrot:).

When I figure out my calories I am overestimating the calories because I do not have a food scale. I am beginning to think I might be doing more damage than good because I do not want to eat below what my doctor has me at.

I have never bought a food scale before. Is there anything I should be aware of when shopping for one? Any feature it should have? In my mind I picture a smaller version of the deli scale, real simple.

Also, when measuring things as far as Tablespoon's go I have been using a spoon instead of a measuring spoon because I do not have any. I know I need to buy some this weekend. Are there different types of measuring spoons and cups for solids and liquids, or will one set do for both?

I'm sorry if these seem like silly questions, but for my health I need to lose weight and I want to make sure I am doing it right and as healthy as possible. I am under my general practitioner's and my endocrinologist's care, but thought asking them about measuring tools was a bit weird.

I appreciate any advice that you can give me. I have already seen a fantastic difference in the scale and in my blood sugar readings and do not want to get discouraged.

One set of measuring spoons and a measuring cup will do fine.

I have a food scale with a large flat surface like this one. You can put food in a container or on plastic or paper to weigh it. The scale will calibrate to zero when you put the container or plastic bag on it, then you add the food.

My first food scale had a rectangular container and was a pain. Don't buy one like this!

Best wishes!

Mel

I am partial to the digital scales. I bought one at target for like 20 bucks and it is so far the best investment i have made since deciding to start counting. I think that you should just make sure that it has a tare/zero button and that you can switch from grams to ounces. Unless you are spectacular at math and have the patience to do that. I agree with mel that you should get one with a flat surface

Thank you! Your both the best. I will definitely look for a flat one and make sure it has both grams and ounces. I am headed to Target this weekend to get clothes for the kiddies, so I will take a detour through kitchen supplies.;)

Not a silly questoin at all. :)

The problem with using regular silverware to measure is that no two spoons are alike in size and shape. A set of regular teaspoon/tablespoon measurs shouldn't cost you more than a couple of $$ at Target and will make a HUGE difference. :)

As for a scale, I have this one (also from Target):
http://www.target.com/Chefmate-Digit...20scale&page=1

.

I actually use a postal scale LOL... it's accurate to .1 oz and works for me!

The silverware I use at home is acurate spoon for spoon with measuring spoons. I have double checked to be sure. It gets to be a drag pulling out the measuring spoons each and every time. You can check this yourself also and perhaps you'll be pleasantly surprised and find that your silverware spoons are accurate also. :)

I needed this information, too. Thanks for asking and best wishes!!

Thank you again everyone. I hope to have a scale and measuring spoons by tomorrow night.

Calorie counting and exercising is working for me so far, so I want to make sure I am able to keep my counting as accurate as possible to keep my momentum going.
Diana

Ooh wow, Photochick your scale looks so pretty haha.

DianaG - good luck with your shopping! I wish I could buy my own scale and stuff, but I'm using my mum's kitchen scale which is fairly accurate and has a Tare button thing, so I can put my plate or whatever on the scale and then just put the food on the plate to weigh it.

I got this:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...1&SKU=13970270

and I love it!

A glass liquid measuring cup will come in handy. Dry and liquid measurements are different so it is helpful to have both.

Thank you everyone. I ended up getting this one: http://www.target.com/Chefmate-3-in-.../dp/B000HI7GMK

It can do oz and grams and has tare button and a clock and timer.;)

Kamesennin: Thanks for the tip. I do have a two cup liquid measuring cup that I use for measuring liquids and I picked up a set of measuring spoons and cups yesterday as well.

I am all set now and boy was I way off on how much an oz of low sodium turkey breast is, lol.
Diana