MFP or back of food packet calories

[squidgesquodge]

I need to lose a stone so started counting calories on Monday and am using MFP for the first time. I am getting so frustrated as I am using the details on food packets to construct meals and then when I go to add it into MFP I get an entirely different set of numbers. Which is more reliable? I had a piece of fish last night which said it was 183 calories on the packet yet is coming in at 260 on MFP. As it was only 183 calories and I had 300 calories to use, I had potatoes and salad with it. I am also getting varying amounts on MFP for the potatoes. I have no idea if my evening meal was 300 calories as I worked out based on packaging or up to 500 which it could be according to MFP.

Check portion size. That is usually the difference between packaging and MFP

Also try scanning bar code off package to find the nearest MFP entry. But not all of them are 100% accurate.

Lots of entries differ, I usually end up adjusting the weight of whatever I've recorded until it matches the calories on the packet. It does get easier when you've built up a record of what you'd normally eat/cook in what quantity.

I found that and it was frustrating - you can add calories without putting what it is - I think it is quick add calories - so you can just add the number. My reckoning is the packet HAS to be accurate and anyone can add stuff to MFP and not everyone will add things accurately. So I work off the packet.

Try using the barcode and also check the size of the portion stated on mfp compared to the actual portion you are consuming.

You'll get the hang of it. I found the first couple of weeks I was barcoding everything then using the recent food list after a while.

Good luck x

MFP is very America based I use Nutracheck same thing but only UK based it's very good and accurate !