Reading Labels

[britt777]

I have a large bag of russett potatoes
Label Reads

Calories 110
Fat 0
Carbs 26g
Protein3g

Calorie King reads

Calories 168
Fat 0.2g
Carbs 37g
Protein 4.5g

How do we know exactly what to go by. Is the label on the bag the most accurate? Should I say are labels ever wrong?

[zmcdole]

The facts may be different from the website to the bag due to the amount being measured. I would just go by whats on the bag.

[in10city]

I have a large bag of russett potatoes
Label Reads

Calories 110
Fat 0
Carbs 26g
Protein3g

Calorie King reads

Calories 168
Fat 0.2g
Carbs 37g
Protein 4.5g

How do we know exactly what to go by. Is the label on the bag the most accurate? Should I say are labels ever wrong?

The only way to be accurate is to weigh it. Otherwise, you have to guesstimate.

[sweepone]

How do we know exactly what to go by. Is the label on the bag the most accurate? Should I say are labels ever wrong?

The gov't allows food companies to be off in their calories on the labels by 20% maximum.

I would venture to say most companies lower the actual calories by the allowable 20%

[fyre500]

The gov't allows food companies to be off in their calories on the labels by 20% maximum.

I would venture to say most companies lower the actual calories by the allowable 20%

Where did you read this? It sounds absolutely ridiculous.

Brittt, be sure to look at the quantities of both macro counts. Are both sources using the same amount of potatoes?

[britt777]

I went with the size of the potato being medium size. It sure wasn't small. I guess the best way to get right is to weigh it like stated earlier.

[fyre500]

Well both sources should list a weight in grams as well. Compare that.

[sweepone]

Where did you read this? It sounds absolutely ridiculous.

Google the FDA. The reason they do this is it is very hard for food companies to guarantee an exact size/weight on any particular item when it is made so the FDA allows the 20% rule.

Another example is restraunts. When say Applebees say's their chicken salad orange ruffy is 605 calories what happens if the chef puts in too little or too much in the bowel? Hence the 20% rule.

.

[britt777]

That makes sense. Thanks for the info.

[Beech27]

If you actually weigh your food, you might be surprised how many calories it contains. One of my 70 cal eggs? Actually about 100. One half cup of rolled oats supposedly clocks in at abut 15 cals. My scale says about 200. Which isn't to say that you need to weigh everything. That sort of behavior is both impractical and overly compulsive. At least, I think it is. Just realize that you're probably eating more calories than the labels would indicate, and if you're results aren't what you'd like, adjust accordingly.

[britt777]

I agree totally. Not looking for anything compulsive...lol. I think its bad enough just writing everything down. I have been doing that for a week and I am done with that. I have seen and understand what is a good amount of calories is and how much i need to eat to stay in that range, for now any way.