About CounterCal
Overview
Transform your nutrition journey with AI-powered precision and effortless tracking.
CounterCal revolutionizes nutrition tracking by combining cutting-edge AI technology with scientific research. Our platform eliminates the guesswork from calorie counting and macro tracking, making it easier than ever to achieve your health and fitness goals.
Features & Capabilities
Natural Language Processing
Simply describe your meals in everyday language. Our AI understands complex dishes, portion sizes, and cooking methods to provide accurate nutritional information instantly.
Advanced Product Database
Access millions of products through Open Food Facts integration. Our barcode scanner provides instant access to verified nutritional data, including detailed macro and micronutrient information.
Comprehensive Analytics
Track trends across multiple metrics, visualize macro distributions, and receive AI-powered insights about your eating patterns and nutritional balance.
Activity Integration
Seamlessly track exercises and daily movement with smart calorie adjustments based on your personal metrics and activity level.
Time-Based Analytics
Understand your eating patterns with temporal analysis of your nutrition data, helping identify optimal meal timing and frequency.
Export & Sharing
Generate detailed reports and share your progress with healthcare providers or nutrition professionals in multiple formats.
Metrics & Calculations
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)
We use the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation, recognized as the most accurate for non-athlete adults:
For men: 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age + 5
For women: 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age - 161
Source: Mifflin MD et al. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 1990
Daily Calorie Needs
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is calculated using activity multipliers:
- Sedentary: BMR × 1.2
- Light Activity: BMR × 1.375
- Moderate Activity: BMR × 1.55
- Very Active: BMR × 1.725
- Extra Active: BMR × 1.9
Based on Harris-Benedict Activity Factors
Macronutrient Distribution
Our AI dynamically adjusts macro targets based on:
- Protein: 1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight
- Fats: 20-35% of total calories
- Carbs: Remaining calories after protein and fat allocation
Following International Society of Sports Nutrition guidelines
Research & Science
Evidence-Based Approach
Our methodology is built on peer-reviewed research and guidelines from:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
AI Model Training
Our AI systems are trained on extensive nutritional databases including:
- USDA Food Composition Database
- European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR)
- Open Food Facts Global Database
- Scientific Literature on Portion Estimation
Limitations & Best Practices
Understanding Calorie Variation
Food calorie content can vary significantly due to multiple factors:
- Cooking methods (±10-30% variation)
- Natural food variation (±5-15%)
- Portion size estimation (±10-20%)
- Food ripeness and seasonality
- Storage conditions and aging
Best Practices for Accurate Tracking
- Use a food scale when possible
- Log meals immediately after eating
- Take photos for portion reference
- Verify AI suggestions with product labels
- Consider weekly averages rather than daily totals
Medical Disclaimer
CounterCal is a tracking tool, not medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals before:
- Starting a new diet or exercise program
- Making significant changes to your eating habits
- Using this app with any medical condition
AI Technology Notice
Our AI features:
- Are continuously evolving and improving
- May occasionally provide inaccurate results
- Should be used as assistance, not sole source of truth
Always verify AI suggestions against product labels when available.
Privacy & Security
Your data privacy is our priority. We implement:
- End-to-end encryption
- Strict data access controls
- Regular security audits
- GDPR compliance