Training & Nutrition - Help outfit me with the proper schwag to eat healthy

Ok, who knew getting serious about eating healthy could be an excuse to buy new toys? In the last month or so I've been changing my eating habits for the better, and it's going well. One thing that's been a bother to me is that I don't have a great concept of portion sizes. For instance: just how many ounces is that chicken breast; did I just have a half or full cup of sherbet; how many grams of walnuts did I put on that salad?

In the interest of knowing just what I'm eating (or at least how much), I'm looking for two things:

1) A scale. Preferably with precision under a gram, so I can also use it to play weight weenie with bike parts. :)
2) A few good measuring cups. I have several pyrex type measuring cups for cooking and baking, I'm looking for something else. I saw one time on this show a recovering bulimic portioning out his food with a measuring cup that was kind of "stair-stepped" - the diameter of the cup changed at the 0.5, 1.0, 1.5cup levels, making it quick and easy to use. Anyone have a clue what I might be talking about?

What else do I need to outfit a healthy kitchen?

Mac Hooke

2) A few good measuring cups. I have several pyrex type measuring cups for cooking and baking, I'm looking for something else. I saw one time on this show a recovering bulimic portioning out his food with a measuring cup that was kind of "stair-stepped" - the diameter of the cup changed at the 0.5, 1.0, 1.5cup levels, making it quick and easy to use. Anyone have a clue what I might be talking about?

Oxo (http://www.oxo.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10057&minisite=10024&respid=53057)

http://www.oxo.com/OA_MEDIA/hotmedia/oxo/imagesprod/70881_3a_1.jpg

Oxo (http://www.oxo.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10057&minisite=10024&respid=53057)

http://www.oxo.com/OA_MEDIA/hotmedia/oxo/imagesprod/70881_3a_1.jpg

Not exactly what I had in mind...

The cup I saw had distinct "levels", kind of like one of those telescoping camping cups.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31288C0R74L._SS400_.jpg

Mac

The telescopic-type measuring cups (where the bottom moves up and down, thereby changing the volume of the cylinder) are available at Target. I've also seen 'em at The Container Store. Not sure if that's what you're looking for.

This?

http://www.shopfosters.com/store/files/images/large/d_107.jpg

Congrats on your motivation. That's actually a big step and last year I was strangely happy to buy a second set of measuring cups and a second 2 cup pyrex. So if one is in the dishwasher I've got a backup. (Yes, strange I know, but it's the little things.)

That said, if you want to spend money just go straight to Williams-Sonoma or Crate and Barrel. Either one will be glad to separate you from as much money in your wallet as possible. If you just want to lose weight, there's an aisle in any grocery store, Wal-Mart, Target or Dollar Store with cheap stuff. I got my pyrex at Salvation Army for under a buck each.

I just bought an $11 spring scale this past weekend. It does grams or oz up to 6 lbs. I'll probably use it mostly for pasta because a big, big bowl of angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil and some chicken is something that I can eat WAY too much of.

I have analytical scales at work that can measure 100ths of grams up to 1kg if I want to get all weight weenie about my bike parts. But trust me, you could buy a sweet new custom frame for what these puppies cost.

Get a good gram scale and weigh everything. - TF

Get a good gram scale and weigh everything. - TF

Yes, that's my plan. The point of the thread was for you to recommend your favorite gram scale.

Mac

Yes, that's my plan. The point of the thread was for you to recommend your favorite gram scale.

Mac

I use Salter 4003 5-Pound Electronic Kitchen Scale. Accurate to a gram, and readout is not as jumpy as some other ones I have tried.


Oxo (http://www.oxo.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10057&minisite=10024&respid=53057)

http://www.oxo.com/OA_MEDIA/hotmedia/oxo/imagesprod/70881_3a_1.jpg

+1 on this measuring cup.

Also a set of plastic (easier to clean) measuring spoons is a nice addition.