The History Of Kitchen Scales
Variations of the simple balance scale, similar to the one you used in science class, have roots dating as far back as 2000 B.C. Archaeologists have discovered Egyptian stones with hieroglyphic marks denoting weight in common denominators. Luckily, technology has advanced beyond using rocks and boards as a way to measure the food we cook in our kitchen.
Undoubtedly, one of the largest contributors to obesity in western civilization, beyond high fat and sugar content in foods, is over sized portions. Here are some portion size facts for your to consider.
- Fast food portions have grown 2-5 times in size today from their original recipes in the 1980s.
- Plates have increased 4-6 inches in size since the 1960s giving us the impression we are merely filling our plates.
- Today, a single bagel has grown to roughly the same portion as five slices of bread.
As a result, the average casket size has increased from 22 inches wide in 1970 to 26 inches wide today. Clearly we need help judging what how large a serving size is, and digital kitchen scales are the most accurate way of measuring portions.
Digital Food Scale Basics
Today’s digital food scale is fast, accurate, and convenient. Unlike balance or spring scales of the past which needed to be manually adjusted for accuracy, digital food scales are often “self zeroing.” Meaning, with a push of a button you can guarantee your measurement will be accurate. Additionally, with their digital read out, units like the salter digital food scale removes all of the guessing how much something weighs. Most digital food scales use measurements of grams or ounces, but larger scales can be used for bulk cooking that measure pounds.
Before placing any food on your digital food scale, press the TARE button (sometimes labeled 0oz/g) to reset the measurement.
BONUS TIP: Use the TARE feature to keep your cooking and scale clean and efficient. For example, place your mixing bowl on the scale and press the TARE button to zero the measurement. Then add your first ingredient to the correct measurement. Pressing the TARE button again will zero out the reading, allowing you to add a second ingredient into the bowl. Continue adding all of your ingredients without needing to dirty multiple bowls.
Using A Digital Food Scale For Weight Loss
After determining a proper diet with your doctor or physician, it is up to you to ensure you are eating the proper amount of food. The easiest way to loose weight is to make sure your your portion size matches up with the serving size designated on the packaging of your food. For example, if the serving size of wheat noodles is 2oz, or 56 grams, measure out exactly 56 grams of noodles on your scale BEFORE cooking them. This will reduce the tendency for you to fill up your plate, instead giving you a healthy and filling amount of food.