Pre-Logging

OneGoodBean

Who here pre-logs their food for the day? I had an...unexpected indulgence day the other day and so I pre-logged my breakfast and lunch today. I actually think it's going to help. Might help me plan my meals, too. Does anyone else do this? Have you seen it help you at all?

itsjustmish

I pre-log for the following day every evening. If something changes then I can amend as necessary, but it gives me a good starting point and encourages me to stick with what I've logged.

bellaa_x0

I pre-log every day.. and never deviate 99.9% of the time since I also pack all of my food and have it with me. The only thing I do not pre-log is dinner since most of the time I don't know what I going to make until that afternoon/evening.

justcindy59

I love to pre-log because it lets me know if I really want to eat the food or change to a better option.

BlueBombers

I always do.

kar328

I prelog for the day. I tried several days in advance, but it didn't work for me. Logging the whole day in advance does work for me, I can see where I am, and it's easy enough to change if my plans change. I can also see how much wiggle room I have, if I'm not close to my daily goal and that allows for last minute add ons.

shattrdillusion

I pre-log breakfast and lunch, it helps me work around my meal planning and forces me to really think about whether I really want an extra snack. It also forces me to stick to what I've logged.

knitapeace

I do the same as bella, log my breakfast and workday food in advance. That way I know what I have to work with for dinner and evening snacks.

xcalygrl

I eat mostly the same during the week, so I can just copy my previous day's entries. Pre-logging everything in the morning helps me see where I'll end up for the day.

If I'm too low, I can add in a snack or know that I can have dessert.

If I'm too high, I can take out a snack or something small.

I can also plan indulgences to make them less "painful" in my diary (meaning they don't put me as far over my goal (if at all) as they would if I didn't pre-log).

Zerodette

At the end of every day, I pre-log the next day. That way, I have a plan, but it's not set in stone and I can adjust as needed. It also helps with making sure I don't waste leftovers or let things go bad because I forget about them.

AlliSteff

I do tend to pre-log breakfast and lunch, so that I can make wise decisions regarding snacks, etc throughout the day knowing what I will be consuming. Since I kind of do a dinner snack after the gym, instead of a real dinner, I make decisions based on what I have already logged

Ninkyou

Generally I do pre-log my day. It helps me stay on track some days. Other days it allows me to see what wiggle room I have for snacks and treats etc. It works well for me.

rbfdac

I'm a prelogger! I prepare my breakfast and lunch and snack the night before and then log it for the next day. Around lunch time I take a look at where I stand calorie-wise, decide what to have for dinner and then prelog it. Sometimes I forget what I logged for dinner, so when I get home, I actually have to look to remember what to cook. I find it helps me.

chele402

I do it! It's the best thing for me in knowing in advance what's going into my body & being able to adjust for any upcoming events.

Francl27

I prelog when I know what I'm going to have, and just adjust the quantities once it's actually put together. It does help to see that yes, I can have a snack in the afternoon if I get hungry.

AskTracyAnnK28

I prelog so I don't stare at my fridge at 6:30 in the morning thinking "what can I eat today?!"

I adjust it as the day goes on sometimes but I find it's easier during the work week to have meals planned out. Helps me save money too.

Pirate_chick

I normally pre-log for the day in the morning, so I don't lose my streak.

LeonCX

I always pre log. And I only keep 7 days worth of entries. Helps keep the "recent" list under control.

DorseyJ618

Pre-logging is what really kickstarted my weight loss. I logged every day for about 10 days as I went, and at least half the time I "accidentally" went over. Now I plan everything the day before and I'm usually right on the dot. And if I happen to have a craving, I will only eat as much as I can swap it out for something already logged

GenesiaElizabeth

Me also, I always try to pre-log. If I don't, I can find myself way over my cals and floundering around with usually double the carb and salt intake. Seeing the protein and all the numbers in good order helps me to be excited about the day going forward... Because I have a plan.

We all need a good plan.

SlimmerShelly

I do the same a bella and knitapeace. prelog breakfast and workday food/snacks

stevierg

Pre logging has been a major factor for me.

Generally I put in tomorrows dinner the night before and then workout my breakfast and fit in the remaining calories with lunch.

I find this way, I don't get in a situation where I eat too much during lunch and then struggle cutting back a planned meal or throwing half away.

boomhower1820

Same here. I do it as much as possible, just makes things easier for me.

Joanjett88

I actually pre-log out 5 - 7 day at a time so I know what I need on my grocery list, lol. It works out fantastic!

mckat08

I find that pre logging keeps me in check and on track. Good luck.

JoRocka

I log in the AM before work- or right when I get here- I pack my lunch- just easier to log everything and plan the day- if BF is here I'll log then adjust as we go to dinner.

Boccellin

I generally pre-log about a week in advance. I do this mostly for the purpose of shopping. I go grocery shopping every week, and because we are on a tight budget, I like to usually only buy just what we need. Also, it keeps me accountable, knowing I have a plan and not winging it. And it lets me make sure that all my macros and micros are right where they should be, so I have time to tweak them ahead of time.

Of course, I do not stick to my pre-logging like glue. Sometimes life happens and I have to tweak it a little as I go. But I love having the guideline there.

OneGoodBean

I'm glad to hear it has helped so many people! I definitely think that I'll be doing more prelogging. Just today I think it has helped me. Still figuring out what to eat for dinner, but I have over 1,000 calories left for that.

LeonCX wrote: »

I always pre log. And I only keep 7 days worth of entries. Helps keep the "recent" list under control.

That is a fantastic idea. My recent list is a mess. I can never find anything. :P

heatherw_27

I pre-log so I can be better prepared for the day It helps me meal plan and not cheat.

Mexicanbigfoot

I pre log EVERYDAY. It's helped me be more accountable and make better decisions. Before MFP I would always be scrambling in the morning to get something quick for breakfast and/or lunch and (most of the time) giving into fast food. It's been very freeing for me to be able to get up in the morning and know that my day is planned and my food is already packed. It's also been a great bonding experience for my husband and I. He has taken a very active role in helping me plan and prepare meals. Good luck!

aeb09

I pre-log every day the night before and do not deviate. It makes things so much easier and less stressful.