Tracking Food

So part of my "Get Back On Track" plan is to really make a commitment to food journaling. I know it will play a major part in starting my weight loss up again. For some reason I just have not found system or form or whatever that fits me or works in my life. Right now I'm leaning towards something paper based, that has a column for the food I plan to eat, and then another column that lists what I actually eat. The planning part is easy, I plan the meal menus before grocery shopping already. I just have to stick with the actual part. I think if I have already written down the plan part, then it might be easier when it comes to actual. I just have to list what I ate that went off "plan". And since, I belive, that is what is slowing my weight loss; I might be more aware of what and why I am eating off plan.

What is everyone else using? Are there any other hints or suggestions that people use to stick with food journaling?


Erin Bickley

Welcome Erin.  I love myfitnesspal.com!!  Wonderful site.  Let me know if you want me to send you and invite so we can encourage each other on MFP.com also.  You get reminders if you do not log in for 3 days.  The calories listed are not always accurate, but I use other sites for accurate calories.  This site also lets you keep track of sodium, protein,carbs, fat, etc.  Of course not wise to count too many things.  But I focus on protein 1st and it lets me monitor my sodium which I want to keep low. 

Hope this helps!!   You can do it Erin!  It just takes perseverance, patience and positive thoughts -- The 3 P's I adopted for myself in my efforts to get back on track

Hugs,
Molly

I use a  samll notebook to carry with me to jog down what i ate - and a larger journal at home. In the small notebook - it is for food (front) and some small reminders (in the back) that way - it is always with me - and once i am home - i can transfer that info either to my journal or to a comp program. I found that to be the easiest.  Some days i have no time - so I transer most info ovber the weekend - and take 30 min to write refloction on how i felt taht week , and other emotions. 

The large journal - i also wrute there during the week - as needed - sometimes writing down emotions prevents me from overeating, bridges the gap between finishing the food and acctually feeling full - so prevents me from overeating.  It may prevents you from reaching for extra food after you eat the premeasured portion and you know you should be full - or at least OK  - but you still feel hungry  - and it may take 10-20 min to feel not hungry anymore.

I know I need to do a journal on my thoughts and emotions when I want to eat and I am not hungry.  I am going to buy me a journal for this today and use it for when I am wanting to eat and not hungry. 

How are you doing?  Happy 1 year.  I can be a writing buddy.  I still have not find the right support system.  I have my own unhealthy secrets I need to share.  Write back.

Thanks for the tips. I checked out the web based app and it might be a good option. I may combine the two. Find a nice cute little notebook for the times I cannot get online (like at work) and transfer all that over to the webpage at home. I need to make this a priority!!!

Karen, I sent you an email. I am so glad you posted. I have been away from here, and that is just one mistake of many I have made since surgery. But every day is a new day to start to make better choices for myself.

Erin