The EatSmart Nutrition Scale is one of my favorite kitchen tools.  A scale is important for measuring out ingredients while cooking and for measuring out portions.  You can purchase a simple one at Wal-Mart for around $10 or ones with extra features for around $100.

The EatSmart Nutrition Scale does more than just weigh food.  You place your food on the scale and punch in the food code and within seconds the scale tells you the weight, calories, and 11 other nutrients (carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, potassium, magnesium, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, calcium, protein, and Vitamin K) for the portion on the scale.  This is an invaluable tool for anyone watching their diet for diabetes, weight control, osteoporosis, kidney disease, or heart disease, just to name a few.

If you have diabetes, you can count your carbs for the day using the scale, or make your own “100-calorie” packs if you are watching your calories.  It is a great visual reminder of nutrient density.  Sometimes I am surprised when I pile a bowl full of fresh strawberries at 60 calories and then measure out a tiny amount of almonds at 90 calories.  Of course I don’t recommend that you weigh all your food all the time, but occasionally weighing your portions is very eye-opening and can be a great tool for weight management.  I recommend that every kitchen has a scale.  You can learn more about EatSmart scales at  www.eatsmartproducts.com.