Discussion Board

Hi, I've been thinking about trying the cron-o-meter. I tried this once before and it all seemed to get a bit detailed. I found it difficult to do.

So, I have two questions:

1. Is it really necessary to do this? And, when is it prudent to use the cron-o-meter?

2. Does anyone have any tips that makes it bit easier.

I checked it out and found it interesting but have never used it personally. It can be excellent for those worried about meeting their nutritional needs. It's a free tool that can be helpful if you want to double check your diet. The McDougall diet is pretty well thought out and is so far ahead of the standard western diet you will quickly learn why we eat this way.
f1jim

I ran my meals through it for 2 weeks. It was instructive to see the results--I might be low on something one day and make up for it a few days later. It's OVER TIME that matters, not getting the exact same nutrients every single day. So I felt it was helpful to track my food for a while.

I don't do it anymore, though. I am still eating the same kinds of things so I know I'd get the same kinds of results. I recommend doing it for a week or 2 to see what you see and tweaking your diet accordingly! But don't get obsessive about it.

I use it twice a week to insure that I am getting all of my vitamins and minerals - having finally throw out the last of my multivitamin pills -which was a big psychological leap for me. Since I'm actively trying to get my BMI down to 20 right now, I find the CRON-o-meter an excellent resource for experimenting with different foods like greens in order to get the greatest nutrient bang for my limited calorie buck. I also have a long term interest in CR in general, so it fits into this research as well.

The easiest way I've found to use it was get the CRON-o-meter app for my iPad and iPod Touch so I could enter information on-the-fly. I also bought a cheap kitchen scale so I could weight small items that the database only lists in terms of grams. For example, if I wanted the weight of a single brazil nut or 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds.

I'm an analytical chemist in real life, and I freely admit I find this kind of thing fun. But there is a learning curve involved, and it certainly isn't a requirement of the McDougall program. But after weighing between 150 - 160 pounds for the last 12 years, I decided to start playing with calorie and nutrient densities and the CRON-o-meter has turned out to be a great tool. The effort has paid off as my weight is now in the 130's (138) and I'm well on my way to my goal of 130 and a BMI of 20.

Kate

You might do what I am considering doing: Hire someone who is a master at using the Cronometer program; give him all the detailed information he needs; and let him run the calculations and give you the results.

I assume, but have not yet tried, that a private email to Jeff Novick will put you in contact with someone who can do that job. I have no idea what the cost is.

Good Lord. People get paid for that? If you need help getting over the initial hump of working with the CRON-o-meter send me a pm and I'll help you for free .

Kate

It's a deal. Stage 1 will be supplying you with all the "data," a list of what I eat for a week. (I am assuming a week is the appropriate period -- true?) Stage 2 will be suggesting solutions to deficiencies uncovered in Stage 1. That is what I understand hiring a nutritionist/dietician would entail.

I will begin collecting the foods and amounts, perhaps for the week beginning this Thursday.

http://www.lakeside.com/Housewares-%2B- ... &fm=search

Well worth the $9.

Kate

I look forward to it. I've always found your 'anti-itis' subset of the McDougall program fascinating. I confess, I'm interested to see how the RDA values play out.
Kate

Just to add, I put a few days of meals in the CRON-O-Meter every 6 months or so. I did it so I'd have answers if anyone asked if I were starving myself. Read Jeff Novick's threads on the thing, and set the nutritional goals as he suggests.

http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6796
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7784
viewtopic.php?t=6804

I didn't find it too complicated, but I'm used to checking on calories in recipes, so it wasn't too big of a leap. I just put my whole day in at one go, since I already know what I'm going to eat, and go back if I change what I had for, or after, dinner. You need to devote an hour or two to do it, and get it set up, the first time, and then your foods should just start to pop to the top of the list once you've got it going. I get bored with it pretty quick, however, as my interest in the particulars wanes fast!