Do you use a food scale?

One thing that I have found out about myself in these past 2 weeks is that I do not have a clue what a normal portion size is.  I broke down and bought a food scale.  The first time I measured out a portion size I was shocked. I would have doubled if not tripled the amount.  Anyone else have a hard time with this? 

I did use a food scale until I began to get a feel for what a reasonable portion size was. I'd say go ahead and get yourself a $10 Scale (the one I got cost under $10 at Wegmans) :) It's worth it to start with, at least, if not, you know, forever :)

I treated myself to a Salter digital scale.  It cost about $40 and it's been the best tool ever.  Mine has a flat weighing surface so I can put any size container on it.  It coverts from grams to ounces and has a liquid weight feature too.  I love it!

The less expensive dial type weight scales are accurate and cheap.  Everybody should have one.

The first time I measured my cereal portion in the morning was a shocker.

I honestly believe that if you want this to succeed, it will make it much easier if you have a food scale.  A year later, I still use mine once and a while.

As HK said, I know the standard things I eat and what sizes they should be, but its always good to have out for that odd food you just picked up from the supermarket.

I love my food scale!  I just bought it this week - Salter, $30 at bed bath and beyond, use a 20% coupon = 24 + tax.

We were having tacos.  I measure out my cheese and guacomole (the higher fat items) and my meat. I arrange my portions on cute little white plates as I'm measuring, then as I make my tacos on my dinner plate sometimes I don't even take everything I "could" have.  It works SO well.  In my case, I was able to take a little more cheese than I thought I could.  Guacomole, I had to cut back a little.  Since getting the scale, I've lost another 1.5 pounds.  I think it helps take the uncertainty out.

My husband like to use it too.  He's cutting back and I think it's just another electronic digital gizmo - oh boy, a new toy!

I have a scale for cooking, since many of my best recipes require measurements in grams (weighing flour is more accurate than using cups).

I started using it to measure out portion sizes.....the two things I was most surprised about were ice cream and cereal. Our bowls hold at least 3-4 servings, instead of the 1-2 I thought they were. Now I use smaller bowls for those things (Pyrex 2 cup round containers) so the portions don't look so strange to me....and it's easier to get the last bits out.

I always pack my lunch the night before.  Yesterday I packed leftover  chicken, left over mashed potatos and broccoli.  Before work I stopped to buy the scale. I measured out my lunch, entered it into my food log and it was a walloping 770 calories.  I could not believe it.  No wonder I am so fat. 

i have a good, cheap little food scale.   I use it fairly often. Especially for weighing out meat.

Now that you have the scale, measure just a little less the next time.  I'm a mom and the hardest thing I had to adjust to is not finishing what's left in the pot, on my kid's plate or whatever.  When you get used to a little less, take a little less again.  Or start swapping out one of the foods that are higher cal or higher fat for something else. 

Packing and planning the day b4 is Crucial!  Good for you!!!  Hooray.

Now that you have the scale, measure just a little less the next time.  I'm a mom and the hardest thing I had to adjust to is not finishing what's left in the pot, on my kid's plate or whatever.  When you get used to a little less, take a little less again.  Or start swapping out one of the foods that are higher cal or higher fat for something else. 

Packing and planning the day b4 is Crucial!  Good for you!!!  Hooray.

I have 2 food scales, both Salter....The first one I bought was the least expensive one with the dial but I discovered that the lines were too small for my old eyes to read...

So, I invested in the digital one...It really helps to clarify calorie content...CC's food log has 3 different calorie contents for boneless/skinless chicken breast

1 cup = 211 calories, 140 g

1 "unit" = 86 calories, no g listed

1/2 boneless/skinless = 143 calories, 95g

Without a scale, which one would you pick?

For ice cream, I actually use the 1/2 measuring cup and put it in a small fancy stemmed dessert dish...makes that poor little amount look special!