Tracking macros question

Smacfit_

I have never consistently tracked macros or calories before. I want to lose a bit of fat and gain some muscle and am realizing that consistency is key. My question is: for those of you that have had long MFP tracking streaks and or have successfully lost fat/gained muscle what do you do when "life" happens? For example being invited to a friends house for dinner or going on a vacation? I am in awe of all of you with long tracking streaks! I want to do the same. But I am at a loss for those moments in life where tracking will be challenging. Thanks in advance.

kimny72

I guess and estimate. It can be difficult at first, but after a few months of logging accurately, using a food scale, finding good entries in the database, I was much better at eyeballing portions than before.

Also remember that you won't gain or lose based on one meal every once and awhile, but what you do most of the time.

If I know I'll be eating somewhere I don't have control, I try to eat a little lighter during the day to buy myself a little wiggle room.

On the subject of consistency, imho logging those guessed meals helps to cement the habit of logging. Not logging meals you can't be accurate with makes logging seem like a special thing you do when you're being "good" rather than an everyday habit like brushing your teeth or making your bed.

Good luck

Smacfit_

kimny72 wrote: »

I guess and estimate. It can be difficult at first, but after a few months of logging accurately, using a food scale, finding good entries in the database, I was much better at eyeballing portions than before.

Also remember that you won't gain or lose based on one meal every once and awhile, but what you do most of the time.

If I know I'll be eating somewhere I don't have control, I try to eat a little lighter during the day to buy myself a little wiggle room.

On the subject of consistency, imho logging those guessed meals helps to cement the habit of logging. Not logging meals you can't be accurate with makes logging seem like a special thing you do when you're being "good" rather than an everyday habit like brushing your teeth or making your bed.

Good luck

Thank you! Great advice.

Teabythesea_

It became habitual for me. People often wonder how we also manage to weigh out our foods but like logging, once you do it for a while it becomes second nature. You wind up being really good at guessing when it comes to portion sizes and breaking down food items to log them. When it comes to “life” happening, it depends. If I’m going out to eat I’ll look up the menu online and pre log my meal so I can order and eat worry free. If I’m drinking I’ll prolog my drinks and stick to the basics that are easy to count (vodka soda, glass of wine, etc.). This serves two purposes. One, I don’t have to worry about logging while I’m out and two, I set limits and make sure I allow myself room for the drinking munchies.

Beside all of that, it’s important to remember that one day will not set you back! The amount of eating you’d have to do to gain when some people think they do in a day (referring to the “help! I gained xxx pounds over night!” posts) is pretty substantial. Sure, you may wake up bloated, but did you enjoy yourself? Yes? Then I would still consider it a successful day, even if you didn’t log accurately or at all. As long as you’re not taking lengthy breaks, missing a day or a meal doesn’t hurt. A streak is just a number, and doesn’t necessarily measure anyone’s progress.

the_prez3

I think it’s more important to maintain the proper control than to be perfect. When a situation comes up where I know I’m going to be eating more than normal, then I devise a plan. For example instead of ordering and eating a medium pizza by myself (don’t judge me everyone’s done it :-) ) I go into the same situation and order a small pizza and have salad bar. Even if I overeat a little, I did it with control and on purpose that way I come out winning. It’s much more important to not allow a situation to become a trigger and instead take control of it. If you feel you should splurge a little bit, then do it intentionally and with a plan so you win.