How do you plan and keep track?

I'm new to using My Fitness Pal and I wish I would have found it a long time ago. Well, maybe someone mentioned it, but stubborn me ignored it for whatever reason my independent tendencies could justify. Well, having a 45 pound gain when I was only 25 pounds from goal ... helloooooo. In order to try and get back/stay on track, I log every morsel, that goes into my mouth. And I plan ahead so I know what my meals need to be. Thoughts of being too vigilant come to mind. I'm not anal; I'm thorough?

I would like to hear what others do to keep track and plan meals. 

Hugs!

I too try to log my food and fluid intake each day.  I'm not as vigilant as I could be, especially on the weekends.  I did use My Fitness Pal awhile ago, but found it easier to use a notebook.  I have the same thing for breakfast and lunch most days, as well as snacks, so I know my calorie, protein, and carb carb counts.  It's my dinners that vary, so I do need to look those things up.  I generally make a plan for the week for dinners, before I go grocery shopping.  I try to make sure there are things like spaghetti squash on the list if the family is having a pasta dish, so I can spoon whatever it is over that.  I also know what I can get at the local pizza places if the family is having that, or make sure I have something else ready.  I have also commited to weighing myself everyday, and I come here almost daily to check in, which keeps me more honest and accountable. 

I get into a rut having the same things day after day, so was hoping using MFP would help me branch out a little. It's harder when you have a family to serve meals to, so kudos to you. Weekends are harder for me when I'm around people. Well, any day around people eating is harder, but not because I'm tempted to eat off plan ...people seem to feel so free to comment on my food choices, the amount I eat, or something that's (at this point in my life) annoying. I'm weighing every day, too, but think I'll change that to once a week where the loss will be more apparent. Ha on me for wishing the scale needle would move more each day than it does! :)