I'm in the induction phase (WK 2) of Atkins. Not sure when I'm switching to OWL. I feel it will be a matter of weight lost, not necessarily time, per se. To the point --- I'm starting to prepare for OWL and I think a kitchen food scale will help me stay honest and accurately keep track of my carbohydrate intake. ANY RECOMMENDATIONS on what type of scale to purchase?

Hi there, you have the choice of two types:

DIGITAL -
PROS: accurate; would look better sitting out in the kitchen
CONS: expensive, batteries need replaced, life-span limited; if you're messy like me you might spill liquid on it and break it.

MECHANICAL -
PROS: cheap, lasts for years, no batteries
CONS: less accurate, looks basic/retro, so you might want to store it in a cupboard.

I'd advocate a scale with a broad flat surface, so it could be used with any container.. Given that you might bulk cook/bake, it should weight up to 4 or 5 lbs, plus be able to be adjusted to zero, so you can add extra ingredients and weigh them easily.

Given that I cannot be bothered with batteries, this would fit the bill best for me:

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-8625-S...ds=norpro+scale

These ones are OK for me, but if you wanted to weigh stuff straight onto a plate, the plate would cover up the display and make it hard/impossible to read:

http://www.amazon.com/Prepworks-Pro...X6ESRAM5DB6AGRT

http://www.amazon.com/Salter-Mechan...l+kitchen+scale

If I wanted something digital, I'd go for something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Prec..._pr_product_top

The features I like in that digital model are: it switches off after 3 minutes, so batteries won't be used up accidentally; the display and control buttons are large and easy to read; it looks easy to clean, it takes rechargeable batteries, and I could cover the control panel with sticky-back plastic to protect it from spillages.

I'd suggest that you decide what you need first, then look at some of the reviews on Amazon to get an idea of potential problems.

Good luck.

When low-carbing you needn't be ultra-careful about measurements, so small variations of an ounce or two shouldn't be significant, especially if you use Dr. Atkins' advice about food choices. It's a good idea to stay on the induction food choices, and just increase your carbs by adding in extra veggies. More carby induction choices are onions and tomatoes, which add so much flavour to food, and avocados, which are a simple snack you can eat anytime.

Good luck with your diet.

Get a digital scale. They're not that expensive. Costs about $12 on Amazon and they work great. The mechanical scales, or at least the ones I've used (it has been decades since I've used any) are just harder on the eyes and not altogether convenient, IMHO.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...tal+food+scales

Usually amazon has free shipping if you don't mind waiting 9 or so days to receive it (or if you're a Prime member).

Last one I got was about $15 at Costco and I've had it for years now. Works well and hasn't used up batteries yet.

I have the EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, White and I love it.

Thanks for all the thoughtful input! Im not typically a "weighing" kinda guy - no dish in my kitchen is made the same way twice, but I want to be precise with my reintroduction of carbs on the Atkins plan.

BTW - Have you discovered the Google conversion feature for carbohydrates and nutritional info? I love it. I've long used Google conversion for standard measurements - 1 kg in pound, but recently discovered it works for any and all food conversions to the desired nutritional component - entering broccoli in carbs produces a calculated carb result. A nice feature is you can select from several quantifications of broccoli - 1 pc, grams, etc.

I think it will go hand in hand nicely when I get my scale- this weekend's to do.

Thanks for that Google conversion tip.. I have sometimes accidentally found that, but it helps to know how to get it, lol.

Argee - that scale looks great. It comes in a variety of different finishes too.

I am very happy with my scale. It's a Cuisinart KML-KO3B Precision Chef Bowl Electronic Kitchen Scale Price: $36.76

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think this is a Canadian brand, but mine is Starfrit and I got it for $10 at least 8 years ago. I keep testing it with known weights and it keeps passing the test.

I'd recommend you get one with a zero/tare button - that's the easiest way to weigh things sometimes. Put your big container of whatever on the scale, zero it, take your serving, note the negative weight.

I too have the Ear Smart scale that Argee recommended above. I've never had a problem with it. It uses AAA batteries (which I keep on hand - cheap at Costco) and indeed has the 'tare' function that Kristine recommends.

I got this Oxo scales specifically because of the pull-out display. You can put a plate on the scales, and if it's a larger plate it would hide the display in its regular position, so that's when you can pull it out to read, add foods, zero out etc. It uses two AAA batteries, and has both grams and ounces. I'm totally happy with it.
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-5-P...ords=Oxo+scales