What did you learn using MyFitnessPal that changed your habits?

MargaretYakoda

missmotta13 wrote: »

hediliz wrote: »

How much sugar is in almost Everything now days. I avoided eating sweets like cakes and candies and drinking soda, but I didn't worry about checking for it in other regular foods and drinks. This app showed me what I was eating also had a lot of sugar in them.

Sugar really is in everything! I'm trying to cut it out of my life, slowly but surely.

Please don’t cut all sugar out of your life. You need some to survive.

GeoMiniThing

My collection of odd health niggles was not part of the deal with my genetic disorder, but actually some nutritional deficiencies, mostly a protein deficiency, potassium deficiency and anaemia among others. Just because you eat little in the way of junk food, does not mean you are eating healthy.

OhThatBlonde

I could write a book to answer this question. I guess the short'ish version would start with: When I first joined MPF I logged everything and had SO MANY A-ha's. For the past 3 (maybe 4 [or more] years) I only occasionally came to the app to log food. In July '21, I started re-visiting the app (not consistently yet) to help get my HbA1C under control and had many A-ha's - the most significant: I'm not eating enough, not taking in enough fiber or protein, nor am I drinking enough water! And if I could kick my morning coffee creamer addiction my overall Carb intake would allow for more Fruit (which I LOVE!!). Another thing I've started doing is weighing my food as much as possible. Don't trust the 'serving size' #'s on packaging! Something I ABSOLUTELY LOVE about MFP is the recipe builder!! In an effort to simplify life I'm back to using my crockpot & IP. The recipe builder REALLY takes all the guesswork out of my crockpot and IP meal creations and makes meal bolus decisions EASY (well, easier)

wunderkindking

That I was eating about a thousand calories most days -- in condiments.

Seriously.

It wasn't the junk food, the carbs, or soda (i only do diet) that was the major source of my weight problem.

Condiments.

blackcatsmatter2

When I got weighed in at the doctor's office and my blood sugar was 276. I have since lost 50 pounds in 9 months through exercise and cutting out most carbs. My blood pressure, weight, and A1C are all back to normal.

My47pal

This is for all the oldies to stick with it. I'm 74. 2017 I was 102kg July 2020 I was 81kg I was reasonably happy I just relaxed and put on 4kg over 12 months. August 2021 decided to get myself back on track. I started with a water fast. I did 94 hours drinking water, coffee, tea, and two cups of miso soups per day 31 cals each. I'm now back to 82kg. My target is lose another 7kg. I'm eating 20/4 intermittent ketogenic fasting I eat at 2pm then at 6pm.
My Haha moment is tonight at 6pm I had 10 walnuts, 20 blueberries 3 tablespoons of Cornish clotted cream with finely grated flax seed on the top followed by four pieces of Sainsbury's 95% dark chocolate broken in to small pieces. Never tried it before but I'm still smiling 4 hours later. It was delicious. I think this will be my evening meal for now on. All within my 1750 daily cals.

noutela

Hello every one ,I am happy to be here,live in Greece,and hope to cut carbs out of my life, slowly but surely.

mel941980

I started my weight loss journey in January, 2020. There have been several ah-ha moments along the way, but the biggest one for me has been to acknowledge and accept this is a marathon, not a sprint. I have failed at losing weight so many times because I insisted on setting a lofty goal in too short of a timeframe, failed to hit it, and became discouraged, or I did hit the goal, then couldn't stick to the restrictive diet I was on.

This time around I set small goals along the way and have rewarded myself generously each time I hit the goal. I have lost 92lbs and I'm just about to reach the normal weight range for the first time since middle school. I still have 12 pounds of weight loss to go. I made the decision to slow my weight loss down from a pound a week to half a pound a week today. I would love to lose 100lbs by the end of the year, but the calorie allotment is so low and I'm already exercising 5-6 days a week. My sanity and happiness is worth more to me than that 100lb loss by 12/31. This is huge for me as type A virgos don't like to let themselves down. Lol!

Lilylady3k

Once I realized that my goal has no end date. In 2018 I decided to change my life ... retired in 2019 and set out to be healthier and more active. Following this saying "You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." Every day I log my food and weigh in.
Ultimate Lifetime Goal: Weigh Less Each Year Than the Last

RoseGoldDreams

Silly me, I didn't realize that just because you worked off calories in your workouts did not necessarily mean that you should then eat those calories. So I have learned to focus on the macros AND calories and not just the calories themselves. To get a better understanding of my complete picture. Choosing the right kind of carbs to eat and deciding on which sources of protein I want for the day ALONG with keeping my activity calories burned in the deficit.

WellnesswithAndrea

Hello, I am just starting my journey today. I'm slowly discovering many ah-ha moments as I continue to log my food intake. I have struggled with managing my weight, T2D, and PCOS. I finally spoke to a Registered Dietitian yesterday and open my eyes to a lot. Awareness and patience is key. Much success to everyone!

316Judith

Hello Everyone,

I'm new, my name is Judith. I am a Mother to 2 adult children son and daughter and Proud Grandmother to 4, 3 Girls and 1 Boy. Ranging in age from aged 12 to 25.

I am a former member of Spark People 11 years. With the site closing I was looking for a site with similar ideas. When I came here I was so impressed that you have a Community with opportunity to Blog and Groups to join or even start one up. I am able to log in my daily nutrition and daily exercise.

I am a Cancer patient: diagnosed July 2019 and had 3 surgeries with waiting on 1 more. I am underweight and have lost massive weight since diagnosis, down from my optimal weight of 125 to 130 pounds to between 98 pounds to 101 pounds, averaging 99 pounds at present.

I am a Born Again Christian, Teach Bible to a Group of Women, Vice President of Women's Ministry at my Home Church, Prayer Ministry Leader of my Home Church, Community Volunteer to a Christian Outreach Ministry

My Faith in the Lord keeps me strong and helps me through the challenges of cancer.

Here are 2 Life's Scripture Verses that both motivate and encourage me on my journey:

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I am looking to find new Friend's here and to work at getting as Healthy as I am able with the help of this Community.

KarinaBlose

I have been on mfp for several years, and have made small changes along the way. 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Yesterday I had my first appt. with a dietitian. Anyway, she wants me to have only 120 carbs a day. I also need to exercise a little after each meal. Today was successful! I know I'm in this for the long haul, and that I will have failures, but today was very encouraging. My husband said he'll just eat what I eat - no need to make 3 different meals every day. I'm planning on losing slowly. My calorie goal is 1800, but I usually a hundred or two lower. Thank God for this website, and for all of you!

merlechris

MY AHA moment - it had to do with tracking my food. The first time tracking scared me to death is when I ate my usual meal at the Olive Gardens then went home to track it. Lordy - who know those bread sticks were so dangerous. I took some home with me and with the knowledge I got by my tracking I could not make myself eat them. I could not eat any of my left overs. Now if I eat there I know I will track my meal and this helps me to be aware of what to order when I eat away from home. Thank you MFP for your tracker.

rjv230

I just joined and learned that even with keeping goal for calories, my carbs were way too much. Now I am watching that too. With that said, I hope I can lose some weight although I am hearing with my short size and age of 70, it will be VERY hard, even with exercise. Encouragement welcome!

djorgeburrito

MargaretYakoda wrote: »

Tracking my calories led to me realizing that on a regular basis I wasn’t eating enough. Which led to binges, and thus weight gain. Counterintuitive. But that’s my AhHa moment.

I've just realised this recently too. I calculated my daily calorie goal using a BMR calculation, instead of sedentary. So I've been eating like 400 calories less than BMR (as I'm trying to burn fat), which ends up being more like 800-1000 less calories a day than maintenance!

I've still been losing weight, but I probably could've made it easier for myself had I realised my mistake!

durhammfp

That math matters. Also, even though I'm running 20-25 mpw now, I still can't outrun a bad diet.

yvonne5669

Betty wrote: »

Let’s Hear About It: Your ‘Ah-ha!’ Moments

MyFitnessPal’s nutrition insights have the power to spark all kinds of positive change. By using this data to better their habits, members have overcome health conditions, improved sleep, boosted moods, and gained confidence.

For many members, success starts with an ah-ha moment:

A surprising tidbit from a single meal (that salad I always order has HOW many calories!?)
A revealing pattern over days (oof, my diet is seriously lacking in fiber)
A telling long-term trend (my energy is way higher when I eat low-carb)

What were your ah-ha moments—and how are they helping you live a healthier, happier life? Share in the replies below!

Please Note: We believe there’s power in every story! By commenting or replying in this thread, you acknowledge and agree to the use of your name, comments, replies and/or entries, whether in whole or in part, by MyFitnessPal, including for the purpose of generating and distributing marketing materials to help inspire others.

Off-Topic posts are subject to deletion.

yvonne5669

Hi there everybody, I am new to this and I have figured out that I am sometimes eating way too much fat. Would not have known if I wouldn't have started with "MyFitnessPal". Thank you to whoever invented this! I log my meals every day, even the ones I am not happy with. I really need to lose 35 lbs.. Thank you all for sharing your inspirations! I have lost 3 lbs in one week due to tracking (logging my food).

7elizamae

I learned the number of calories in foods I love! `Pasta and rice were the biggest shockers...peanut butter, too...

yvonne5669

Just wanting to let you know a little more about why I like MFP. I weighed 171 lbs. about a week ago, now I am down to 167-168 lbs. but if I keep eating the ice-cream and all that fatty stuff, I know I will not lose but gain again. The MFP helps me see how much fat I consumed and how much more I can eat or not. I do not exercise, maybe twice a week and sit in my car all day (because I Doordash) or on the couch like a couch potato (hahaha) and be on the internet. I am almost 62 years old and can't wait to get back to my 125 or 135 (if it has to be) when I was 35.

fr3smyl

Stay encouraged 316Judith, you got this!

fr3smyl

Hi all!
I learned loads from MFP.
1. Measuring in grams works best for me (esp. in recipes)
2. Eyeballing amounts is not always accurate so always measure
3. Using weekly averages for calorie count is more important than my daily goal
4. Adjusting my macros helps to stave off hunger
5. Developing habits are more important than a final goal weight

jafferfaisal

I quit logging for 3 days but I am back. The way I see it, even if you are overeating, you should just log it, so you are aware of it, and you can still choose to do whatever you are doing, but you will know what you are doing and it will eventually get you back on track.

jafferfaisal

fr3smyl, having a lifestyle change intent about weight loss, should really be the objective, otherwise diets are become just temporary fads.

AnnsPhoenix954

I'm new to here, and most likely, the fact that after 12 years with another program that just shut down, my biggest ah-ha moment is when I relized a years ago that I am not on a diet!

dubonnet480

starting to see the mental BS was I doing. weighing and measuring has made me so much more well aware of density of calories and what that looks like in different foods. it also seems to make me much more accountable. I have a ways to go.

PCGull

That before I started to track my calories I was easily consuming between 3k-5k calories a day. Scary and can't believe I'm not 500lbs.
Also, when you make healthier choices, you can eat a lot of food and stay within your target calories.

GraygrannySP

When years ago hubby handed me a pair of slacks and said I got they mixed up when I hung them up from laundry I had done. I thought they were his! On his hiney they would look cute but mine???? NOT!!!
The next Aha moment...heart attack! Yep, that will get your attention!

suemcaulay

I found out that it is possible to eat too little. I started out putting my body into a starving state. I also found out that I was not eating enough protein and made a conscious effort to eat more of it. I also learned that cottage cheese, which I love, has a lot of protein. I also had been fasting (intermittent fasting) and realized that it caused me to eat too little and decided that it was better to eat breakfast most of the time.