It’s relatively painless, and the math is easier
Calorie counting is a popular method for weight loss and management, but did you know it’s easier to count calories if you convert to metric? While there are many different ways to count calories, using the metric system is one of the most accurate and efficient methods.
Here are some of the benefits of using metric measurements:
- Precision: Grams are precise: there are almost 30 grams in one ounce! This is super important for calorie counting, as even small differences in the amount of food you eat can have a significant impact.
- Easier Math: Metric measurements make math simpler.
- Efficiency: You get to move away from measuring volume in various cups and spoons, and focus on the weight of the items. All you need is an inexpensive kitchen scale.
Here are some specific examples of how using the metric system can improve your calorie counting:
- Ground beef: We Americans are used to thinking of burgers in terms of pounds: quarter-pound, third-pound, half-pound. Since a pound is 454 grams, a quarter-pound burger patty is about 114 grams. Why not round down (slightly) to 100 grams? If you do (and you’re using 85/15 ground beef), then here’s the calorie difference:
- 114g ground beef (1/4 pound): 241 calories
- 100g ground beef: 212 calories – that’s a 30-calorie difference!
- Pasta: It can be difficult to measure portion sizes of pasta accurately. Weighing it on a scale can save you time and hassle, and you can cut calories by just having a slightly smaller portion.
- Peanut Butter: A serving size of peanut butter is listed as 2 tablespoons. Have you ever tried to “measure” 2 tablespoons of peanut butter? If you have a good kitchen scale, you can put a slice of bread on it, zero the scale out, and spread your peanut butter directly on the bread until the weight is what your target measurement is.
Overall, using metric for calorie counting is the most accurate, efficient, and convenient way to track your calorie intake. If you are serious about losing weight or managing your weight, I encourage you to switch ASAP.
How this site and my recipes can help:
- These recipes are all created for my family and friends. My wife has lost over 50 pounds in the last two years by sticking to a weekly calorie average goal.
- Don’t restrict any foods: eat all the things that you like, but measure everything, track your calories, and set some realistic goals. Start here if you want to figure out your calorie needs.
- All of these recipes are meant to be relatively simple to meal prep and easy to modify.