We all have a love-hate relationship with restaurants ever since they started putting calorie counts on their menus. On the one hand, it’s awesome to know what you're putting in your body. On the other, you die a little inside when you know exactly how many calories are in your favorite burger. Well, that same hesitation may soon be lurking in your own kitchen as well.
Researchers at General Electric have created a device that can measures the calories in your food based on three things: the fat content, the water content and the weight. Although it’s not officially in any appliances yet, GE is hoping to incorporate the revolutionary technology into household appliances like the microwave pretty soon.
Senior scientist Matt Webster told MIT Technology Review, “We’re looking at waves that pass all the way through the food” in order to give you a better idea of what you’re eating. This technology is pretty impressive considering that most new-age calorie counting methods are lackluster. Webster goes on to say that the gadget was inspired by his wife, who wanted a quicker and more efficient way to count her calories.
So, how does it work? It can analyze your meals by passing low-energy microwaves through them. However, at this stage in the game, the food needs to be blended in order to get an accurate reading…although we’re sure that will change soon as well.
The prototype is ideal for things such as purees, but researchers ensure that it will soon work on solid foods as well.
With this kind of technology making its way into your home, you may want to think twice before you throw those holiday leftovers in the microwave.
[via The Verge]
