Help Converting Recipes to Points
 

Hello - old timer and lurker here. I recently came across an amazing meat loaf recipe that one of my kids actually likes - I have made some changes in it, however. Can anyone offer their services (was it Master Cook or some such program) to convert this recipe into points? Or - some direction if there is another resource.
Thank you!

You can do it 1 of 3 ways:

1) list the points for each ingredient, total up the points and divide by the number of servings it has and you have the points

2) list the calories/fat/fiber for each ingredient, total up each and then divide each by the number of servings and then figure points

or

3) use a software program such as Mastercook ( www.valusoft.com/products/mastercook.html ) or use the Recipe Builder on the W/W site (for paying members only -- e-tools or online).

I like master cook. I got mine on ebay for $15. The only thing you have to watch is... say your recipe calls for 1 c broccoli it adds those 35 calories to the calorie count, but broccoli is 0 points. I usually just calculate the points based on the number they give me b/c I tend to calculate over rather than under on my points, but it is a concept to keep in mind.

I don't like WW recipe builder. From what I understand it only allows for a max of 4 grams of fiber for the entire recipe rather than for each serving. Or at least it did a couple years ago.

Hope this helps:)

Originally Posted by MistySeptember:
...The only thing you have to watch is... say your recipe calls for 1 c broccoli it adds those 35 calories to the calorie count, but broccoli is 0 points.

But also adds the fiber to the recipe thus usually cancelling out the minimal calories that free veggies add. :)

What I find in older recipe books...
 

is that they give fat and calories etc. but don't give grams of fiber. I guess it wasn't considered all that important ten or so years ago. I find myself estimating the fiber; i.e. if it's high in fiber-rich ingredients, I'll decide it has 3 or 4 grams and go from there.

I am excited I just ordered mastercook from amazon!! I help it helps in my new kitchen! I can't wait to cook!