Scales are commercially available in many different shapes and designs, from the cheapest to the highly accurate ones found in doctors' surgeries. Regardless of whether you want to weigh the flour to make a cake or know your body weight to figure out if you can afford to eat another slice, remember that using the scale correctly is the key to getting accurate values. It is not difficult to learn how to use it accurately and effectively.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Kitchen Food Scale
Step 1. Buy the right model of kitchen scale
Most of these tools are digital, as well as simpler and more accurate than analog scales.
- Choose a scale that can be set up with different units of measure. This way you will have a lot of flexibility when preparing meals; a good scale should be able to weigh in grams, kilograms, ounces and pounds.
- Look for a model that can be "calibrated" that is, that is equipped with a function that resets the weight of the containers.
- Most household tools have a variable capacity between 5 and 6 kg. Unless you need to cook large quantities of baked goods, you probably won't need a scale with a larger full scale.
Step 2. Place a bowl or plate on the scale and zero the weight
You should always set the tare function, to avoid considering the weight of the container before adding food.
- Use a plate or bowl suitable for measuring. You should use a bowl when weighing ingredients that need to be mixed, such as when making a cake, or you should choose a dish for weighing foods such as meat.
- You can also add foods directly to the scale. In this case, remember to clean the plate with very hot soapy water and a paper towel before and after weighing.
- Reset the meter after each weigh if you are using a lot of ingredients. For example, if you are cooking a cake, add the yeast and then press the "zero" or "tare" button before adding the flour or other ingredients.
Step 3. Use the tool appropriately
Scales are indispensable for many purposes, so you must use yours correctly, according to the recipe.
- Liquid ingredients can be accurately measured using a volumetric method (e.g. with a measuring cup), but dry ingredients must always be weighed if you want to be sure of the result.
- Check the portions using a scale. You can weigh virtually any type of substance. Remember to weigh any "deceptive" food, whose portions are not easily assessable with graduated containers. For example, you should weigh dry pasta and breakfast cereals. Also remember to respect the recommended portions for each food group: 90-120 g of protein, 30 g of cereals, 120 g of fruit or 240 g of vegetables.
- Use a scale to divide portions equally. If you are cooking a multi-layered cake, then the scale helps you divide the dough evenly into three pans: just set the weight of the pans to zero before adding the mixture.
- If the recipe expresses the doses with a volumetric method also with regard to dry ingredients (which is very common for recipes of Anglo-Saxon origin), you can do an online search and find a reliable converter to transform these values into grams.
Method 2 of 3: Using a People Scale to Find Your Weight
Step 1. Purchase a quality tool whose price is within your budget
There are many models of people scales and some are relatively inexpensive, while others are very expensive.
- Choose one of good quality, but that respects your financial possibilities. It is advisable to get a tool that will last several years and that maintains good accuracy. It is generally believed that digital models are better than analog ones, since the mechanisms of the latter are more delicate and less precise.
- Many high-quality scales accurately measure weights within 500g 97-100% of the time. Older models consisting of springs and dials are only accurate in 13% of cases.
- You should buy the most modern model of digital scales that can also measure fat mass and even track weight loss.
Step 2. Place the tool on a solid, level surface
When you want to weigh yourself, you need to make sure the results are as accurate as possible. Place the scale on an appropriate surface to minimize errors.
- Most models come with instructions indicating the best place to put the scale. Follow the manufacturer's advice.
- If you place the scale on the carpet, the value obtained could be 10% higher than the real one. The bathroom or kitchen are perfect rooms to use a people weighing scale.
- Make sure it is well leveled. If the scale is tilted or rests on an uneven surface, then the reading will not be accurate.
Step 3. Calibrate the tool
Over time, the balance loses its accuracy; it is quite normal after several weighings or after several movements. For this reason, check it regularly to make sure you always get accurate results.
- Check the accuracy of the instrument by weighing an object of known mass (such as a dumbbell, a package of flour or sugar). Check the result and make any necessary changes.
- Consult the user and maintenance manual to calibrate the scale regularly.
- Many digital models come with a "calibration setting" that allows you to do this accurately.
Step 4. Step on the scale
Depending on the model you have purchased or already own, different procedures may be required to obtain the weighing.
- In the case of analog scales, it is generally sufficient to get on the instrument, wait for the needle to stop and read the corresponding value.
- However, if you have a digital model, you will need to "prepare" the scale before stepping on it with both feet. In some cases it is necessary to "activate" the instrument and then go up to find the weight. Always read the instructions in the manual to know the right procedure.
Step 5. Weigh yourself every week
Research suggests that weekly weighing contributes to long-term weight loss and maintenance.
- Always weigh yourself at the same time of day (preferably in the morning) for best results. On top of that, try to always wear the same clothes to get comparable values.
- Weigh yourself in the morning for accurate readings. Do this after emptying your bladder, but before breakfast, to eliminate any possible variables.
- Don't weigh yourself every day. It is quite normal for your body weight to fluctuate from day to day and if you weigh yourself every day you will not be able to identify your weight trend. Additionally, you may feel discouraged if you notice unwanted alterations.
Step 6. Use a chart to track your progress
If you plan to lose or gain weight, it is worth noting your weight changes to help you achieve your goals.
- If you like to write and be creative then you can make a poster to track these numbers. Alternatively, you can download mobile apps or use websites to help you control your weight loss.
- Weighing yourself and taking notes is also a great strategy when you want to keep your body weight constant. This way you can quickly notice any unwanted weight gain or loss and change your lifestyle accordingly.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Barbell Scale to Measure Your Weight
Step 1. Check the accuracy of the tool
Many of these manual scales are available at the doctor's office (where you typically get weighed) or in gyms.
- If you are using that of the gym, it is really essential to check its accuracy and calibrate it in the right way. It is generally used by several people very frequently.
- You can use a dumbbell from the gym to do the calibration. Choose a 10 kg weight and place it gently on the scale. Move the top and bottom counterweights until they are at the 10kg mark. The needles on the left and right should "float" in the middle of the open slit at the ends.
- Remember to also calibrate the null value. Again, the needles must float in the center of the upper slots.
- If the meter is not properly calibrated, then ask the gym staff to provide it so you can use it.
Step 2. Remove excess clothing
Unless you are at home or in the doctor's office, you don't have to stay in underwear alone to accurately weigh yourself, especially if you are in a public place. However, you should remove your shoes, jacket, or layers of heavy clothing.
- By removing most of the excess weight you will have a more realistic result.
- Try to remember how you usually weigh yourself. Make sure you wear the same types of clothing each time you weigh in to get comparable values and make a chart of the values.
Step 3. Step on the scale
Just like with digital or analog models, you have to step on the meter to know your weight.
- Rocker scales sometimes convey a swaying sensation as soon as you step onto their base. Try to stay still as much as possible and keep your balance so you don't interfere with the movement of the base as you weigh yourself.
- Slide the large counterweight along the bottom rocker. This is graduated on a larger scale than that of the small counterweight (typically with intervals of 5-10 kg).
- Then move the small counterweight located on the upper rocker. When the large counterweight is on a notch that indicates a value close to your real weight, you have to "refine" the result with the small counterweight and thus obtain an accurate reading.
- Add the upper and lower barbell values to find your total weight.
