Tracking Raw vs Cooked Meat Weights for Accuracy

I am confused about whether I should be weighing my meat before or after I cook it. I know that chicken and beef lose a lot of weight when you cook them because of the water loss. If I weigh it cooked am I underestimating my calories?

I have been using the raw weight because that is what is on the package but it is much easier to weigh my meal once it is already prepared. Most apps seem to have entries for both raw and cooked but they vary so much.

What do you guys do for maximum accuracy? I want to make sure I am getting the protein I think I am getting. If you weigh it cooked what percentage do you usually assume is lost during the process? I am really trying to be precise with my tracking this month.

Most nutrition databases list macros for raw weight. It is generally more accurate to weigh your meat raw because cooking methods can vary the water loss significantly. Just be consistent with your tracking method!

I always weigh it cooked. I measure a batch cooked, then divide by portions. It is easier for meal prep for me. The key is to use a consistent entry in your tracking app, whether it is raw or cooked. Just do not mix them up!

I use a simple ratio. For chicken breast, I estimate about a 25% weight loss during cooking. So if I have 100g cooked, I log it as 133g raw. It is not perfect, but it is close enough for my goals.

I usually cook a large batch of chicken or beef mince for the week. I weigh the entire raw amount, cook it, then weigh the entire cooked amount. Then I can calculate the exact shrinkage percentage for that batch. It takes a little effort upfront but makes daily tracking easier.

This is something I have struggled with for ages! My tracking app has both raw and cooked options, but it is hard to know which one is more accurate. I tend to go with raw if I am in doubt.

What about things like bacon? It loses so much fat and water. Do you track raw weight for that too, or is there a standard cooked entry that is generally accepted?

I find that weighing raw is just simpler. You do it once, log it, then cook. No need to re-weigh or estimate after cooking. It is a habit now.

For anyone consistently tracking, invest in a good digital kitchen scale. It makes weighing raw meat (and everything else) so much easier and more precise.

Does anyone use an app that helps with this? Like, if you input raw weight, does it automatically adjust for common shrinkage, or is that just wishful thinking?

I have heard some people cook their meat then rehydrate it with water or broth to bring it back to a more consistent weight. That sounds like too much work for me!

My biggest problem is when I eat out. You have no idea what the raw weight was or how it was cooked. I usually just guess high to be safe, but it is frustrating.

For those just starting out, do not let this small detail stop you from tracking at all. Pick a method, stick with it consistently, and you will still see progress. You can refine your method later.

I have found that batch cooking is the best way to handle this. Weigh everything raw, cook it all, then divide into portions based on the raw weight you entered. Super efficient.