No I didn't get my metabolic rate measured. I was using estimates based on my height and weight, which told me I should be burning X calories a day. I used the

No I didn't get my metabolic rate measured. I was using estimates based on my height and weight, which told me I should be burning X calories a day. I used the low end of the range (despite exercising I didn't count myself as active for getting that estimate.) I'm very curious though about measuring my official metabolic rate. Do you know where I could get it done in the bay area? I did the same as you in terms of measuring calories, but mostly using scales or calorie counts on packets as I was cooking using raw ingredients. I recorded everything in a diary, using paper initially and then myfitnesspal app. I would also "cross-check" (e.g., after finishing a bottle of olive oil I'd look back at how much I'd logged.) I do think there's space for error and variation - e.g., a vegetable that's sweeter than average, or trying to judge how much fat (and therefore calories) is left on a piece of meat. That last one is the toughest because it can make a huge difference.