How do I measure lettuce???

[journey00]

I have a yummy bag of different lettuces & need to measure it. I'm on induction. Do I use my glass liquid measure cup or do I use the 1 cup with (attached to the tsp & tbsp set), or do I weigh it? Right now I'm eyeballing it but I want to get it right. Thanks!!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: How do I measure lettuce???

If you're going to count the carbs, weighing it will be more accurate.

Putting it in a measuring cup allows for lots of air ... and how you pack it can affect how much is actually in the "cup".

[not2late]

Re: How do I measure lettuce???

If you are using the measuring cups, you can use either the glass measuring cup or the metal ones. The glass measuring cup is typically used for liquids. The metal cups are used for solids or semi-solids.

Just remember according to the DANDR 2002, Chapter 11, Induction Rule #3, the salad veggies are measured "loosely packed".

Weighing veggies is a good idea, however, if your veggies aren't completely dry, the water clinging to them can add on extra weight. On the same token if your vegetables are somewhat "old" and slightly dried out, that loss of water can affect their weight as well.

[Georgiana]

Re: How do I measure lettuce???

Journey, do it however you prefer, but be consistent. Differences in measurement such as those coming from lettuce being fresh or old aren't going to affect your weight loss, blood sugar, or any other measure of success on Atkins.

Whenever possible, I weigh vegetables before washing them. I figure out that a few mg of dirt that disappear after washing aren't going to leave a hole in my nutrition.

[journey00]

Re: How do I measure lettuce???

Wow! Thanks for all the responses! I'm not confused anymore : )

[not2late]

Re: How do I measure lettuce???

Well, if you are weighing veggies because you want accuracy of the number of carbs you ingest, you must account for that water weight. 1 milliliter of water weighs 1 gram. Therefore, 5 ml of water clinging to your veggie will increase the weight by 5 grams. That in turn, will lead to an incorrect carb count. And since you are weighing those veggies because you want accurate carb counts, that 5 ml of water weight is very significant, indeed.

Ditto for dehydration of veggies and fruits. 1 ounce of dried porcini mushrooms does not weigh 1 ounce when it is rehydrated.