Tracking · 5 min read
How to give an AI calorie estimate better information
A photo can identify a meal, but portion size and hidden ingredients still matter. Better inputs create more honest estimates.
A picture is not a measuring cup
Photo-based tools are good at recognizing many foods, but they cannot reliably see every oil, sauce, recipe ingredient or serving weight. Treat the first estimate as a starting point and correct the details that meaningfully change the meal.
Five details that help
Add the food name, visible portion, preparation method, label or recipe when available. Say whether a weight is raw or cooked. If you are unsure, keep a sensible range rather than inventing false precision.