Does anyone else plan in advance?

Bookish_Mama

My husband and I are both using MFP to lose weight and get healthy, and we've gotten in the habit of planning everything out and logging things the night before we're planning to eat them. For example, we've both already logged breakfast, lunch, and dinner for tomorrow. Does anyone else do this?

Mr_Knight

Hell, yeah.

DsAdvocate

Yes.

osteological

I do, but I'll often leave 200-300 calories of 'flex' left in my day in case I end up eating cookies a co-worker brings into work or something in the middle of the day, so I don't go home and end up not having enough 'room' for the dinner I planned.

CooCooPuff

I'm not logging at the moment but prelogging is great. It gives me an idea of how many extra carbs I have to play with while getting in all of my protein and fats

sympha01

Yep, though I have one "meal" reserved as planned snacks, and that gets adjusted down if for instance cuts of meat turn out larger than planned, or if I encounter unplanned deliciousness, or it gets adjusted up because why would I want to leave calories on the table LOL.

Christine_72

Yep, me too

martasmith54584

Yes. Just like prepping food. Easier to prepare day before to keep on track. Made oatmeal and boiled eggs for next few days!

jamie042384

I do this and find that I'm more likely to stay on track if its planned and logged!

jreneemeows

It didn't even occur to me to pre-log meals. I definitely pre-log recipes that I intend to make for that week since it's the recipes that make the calorie logging time consuming.

I always make my lunch and dinners for the week on Sunday nights. I package everything in mason jars or tupperwear, and stick the first couple of meals in lunch bags so it's ready to go in the morning.

I find that my biggest challenge is sneaking unplanned snacks when I'm at home on the weekends. Maybe pre-logging the meals will help since it locks me into my plan. I also like the idea of having 200-300 'flex' calories for the unexpected.

loulamb7

Yes, I pre-log. Helps me stay on track. Also if I know one meal is going to be high-fat, I can plan accordingly.

llynn1976

Yes I also do that

emmarrr23

This is the only way I can stay on track. I know that if I eat what I said I was going to eat, I'll be under my calories and I'll be losing weight! It really keeps me motivated

La5Vega5Girl

i just started doing that and i love it. it is so much easier for me b/c i'm already "stuck" to eating what i have logged. so far, i haven't had to make any alterations.

djscavone

I log after the fact. I plan ahead but not in MFP. I am a big fan of Blue Apron meals. Does all the shopping for me, variety of foods I would never get on my own, My wife and I still get to prep and cook. We also use the leftovers for lunch or if my daughter decides to eat at home.

Candylou11

I do, at least the breakfast and lunch as it helps be to stay on track and helps with the logging, plus I usually prepare my lunch the night before. I don't always know what I am having for dinner so.....I can always adjust it accordingly.

FitPhillygirl

I usually do this as well. Although I do have to change my evening meal around once in a while to include more food on heavy workout days like today.

NoelFigart1

I do tend to plan meals, yes. IF I make a bento or something, I'll prelog it because I'll never remember all the tiny little weights of the different little portions.

LindyMopLoo

Yes, it really helps to plan. Sometimes I find I need to exercise a little longer so I can eat what's planned for a meal; sometimes I need to adjust the menu a little. It's MUCH better than ending up disappointed at the end of the day! Staying on track and achieving goals keeps me motivated, disappointment kills my motivation faster than anything else.

kommodevaran

Yes, I plan around what I am going to do, and what perishable items are in my fridge, but I also like to eat what I want when the time comes, and plans can suddenly change, so I'm flexible.

Azexas

yupp- as I make dinner I am planning my next day

bababs89

I don't always pre-log but I do have my meals planned out in advance. It helps me stay on track, but I do find it hard to stick to sometimes!

MinimalistShoeAddict

There are a few people on this site who log everything months in advance down to the last tic tac and piece of gum. Others never plan anything until it enters their mouth.

I recommend you do what works best for you!

Francl27

I do it when I know what I'm going to have, it changes a lot though.

MaryCS62

I do, expecially on work days -- I don't want to find myself without food, & have to rely on what the cafeteria has (although I keep oatmeal packets. tuna kits & soup here so that I always have a backup). I also leave between 6 & 630am, so I have all my food either in the fridge or my lunch bag, all ready to grab when I get my cup of coffee to go. I sometimes pre-log dinner, if I know what I'm going to make. I have several "standards" for breakfast & lunch that I can choose from, depending on exactly what's in the fridge. I also have Jimmy Dean delites sandwiches, & Boca 70 cal veggie burgers in my freezer, in case I forget to get something ready, & I can grab those instead. Always have yogurt & fruit packed as well, for my snacks.

pamfin

Yes, I find it much easier to stay on track if I've pre-logged. I also meal plan for the week (although I tend to have the same for breakfast each day).

TasnimEz

I plan the whole day and log everything in the morning. Helps a lot.