What did you learn using MyFitnessPal that changed your habits?

aikzilla

I learned that portion distortion is a real thing. When I log every bite I eat it was eye opening to see how much nibbling I do through out the day. I now ask myself if that Hershey mini worth the 80 calories of real food I could eat later. Sometime the Hershey wins because....chocolate. But most times I can wait it out and it passes.

Sam

thewhipple12955

How quickly calories can add up. Made me more vigilant what I put in my meals

LiveOnceBeHappy

I used to come home from school/work, grab food out of the pantry (usually chips and dip) and sit on the couch to regroup. Now I make a meaningful selection. 38 grams of popped corn right now is a common one. Or an apple. Sometimes both! Everything is tracked and fits in my calorie goal.

kittensden72

My meal tracker tells me that I need to eat more. My calorie count is always low. Plus I noticed that I need to up my protein and good fat intake and reduce my sugar just a smidge.

RanaBoBana

I learned how frequent I was eating! All the little snacks added up, and now that I was taking actual count, I realized I would eat impulsively.

Opalescent_Topaz

1. Using the scale's tare function for multiple uses.
2. Using a food scale, period.
3. Patience.
4. I have to log. When I reach maintenance, I still have to log. Other people apparently don't have to, but I do or I gain weight. This is the 3rd time now. You'd think I'd learn.

KobiHensley

The most shocking was I wasn't eating enough calories. I was eating only around 900 a day due to "being on a diet." I stuck to what I thought was the calorie goal but I was eating way to much junk food instead of healthy food.

DragonCat53

My aha is understanding MFP is a tool that only works as well as the information I put into it. Sometimes when I’m feeling a little desperate about my weight, I will think I need to join “pay for” services like Weight Watchers online. Inevitably I get the same results from that as I do here in MFP. So…. Why spend a huge amount of money when MFP is a free or economical choice and just commit to myself to be honest with food diary entries.

Caroline2808

mel941980 wrote: »

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!

mel941980 wrote: »

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!

mel941980 wrote: »

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!

Hi fellow Virgo, that’s just what I needed to hear… at almost fifty I have weighed the least of my adult life, primarily due to an unexpected hospital ‘vacation’ I then put the weight back on, lost it again , went skiing last month where the food although healthy was far too plentiful and I cannot seem to shake off this greed. I will take your inspiration and set myself more realistic targets … I Would like to lose 4-7lbs but am struggling with greed albeit I am pretty active 🙏🏻💪🤞

[edited by staff]

michellelawson00

I was recently diagnosed with a few health issues that require me to limit my sodium, fat AND carb intake. Plus I am gluten-sensitive. What a complicated eating plan I have! The MFP tracker has taught me how much sodium and how many carbs are in some of the foods that I love! MFP is enabling me to make better self care choices. Thank you!

Rizziekitty

SUGAR! There is sugar in everything! I did not realize how much sugar I was consuming while just avoiding things that were considered sweets. My family already has a pre-disposition for adult onset diabetes, and I've avoided it myself at 34 so far, but due to my previous 330 lbs, I attribute that to sheer dumb luck.

This app is very useful! I look at the sugar content in everything now and have traded out the worst offender, bread, and got one with a higher fiber content with no added sugars.

I even found that the natural sugars in fruits and veggies that come paired with their own fiber actually make me feel better than the occasional sweets ever did, and I get to eat them whenever I want.

Also I was undereating, which would lead to carb binges almost every day. Now I eat a big 5-600 calorie high protein breakfast and I'm full all day. I sometimes just snack for lunch on a small homemade yogurt or oatmeal loaded with fiber and berries and eat dinner with the family, which is usually the big meal of the day. Knowing how many calories I was eating allowed me to eat -more- during the day while I was active so I could account for a more reasonable portion of my larger evening meal to prevent binging.

avatiach

What's making me optimistic is that there are hundreds (thousands?) of long-term maintainers using MFP. I've learned a bit about the long-term view of how to maintain, and how your body may take a couple of years to "get used" to your new weight. All that makes me hopeful that I don't have to rebound, if I go methodically and not too fast.

KimiAR

Weigh everything and it’s ok if it takes time is what I’ve learned here. This works. Just trust the process.

Peacelily70x7

Being able to use the Barcode scanner..

ShelleyBeth_61

I drank 20 oz or more of a name brand soda every day - craved it, had to have it. I gave it up after starting MFP. It was hard at first. But,weight loss became easy. Then I got sick and lost almost 10 lbs in a week. I was so weak that I could barely stand on my own. My family gave me anything to get some calories down - including my beloved soda. It doesn’t taste nearly as good as I remembered and doesn’t give me the same satisfaction I remember.

cheriesmithwallasey

Hi, I have done mfp before and lost a ton of weight. Went from 17st down to 12. Unfortunately covid hit and I have a foodie partner. With the gyms being closed and nowhere to go my weight piled on then some Im 17st 8lbs now 🙁. I thought I ate pretty healthy but the scales don't lie so here I am again.
Mfp helped me with kcal counti. G and letting me know what exactly was in my foods. When I rejoined again 4 days ago I was shocked at just how much sugar (198g 😳) and carbs I was eating. It was a real eye opener. I have manage to reduce both and upped my protein and fiber. I'm also exercising more cycling at least twice a day.
This is helping me especially since my mobility is bad right now due to a torn ligament in my ankle which makes walk near impossible but cycling doesn't affect it. It's just great app miss the old totally free version but that's the way of the world.
Cherie x

ilsesl1

Counting calories is much more effective than WW points. 0 pt foods have calories.

Ginharbe

Hello, I totally agree the "Aha" moment for me, portions, snacking , out of control macros.
I was a member since 2015, never understood to well what I was doing until I updated to premium, did more research and follow MFP structure, combined my workout app with MFP, follow the recipes that are provided in the app, It has been great, more than great ""AWESOME"", I have learn a lot, and I am not going hungry, no diet required just be mindful of what you eat LOS 16LB, since Xmas

jeanfritsch25

I have learned how many extra calories are in small things, like sauces such as Chick-Fil-A sauce. Just adding these dipping sauces adds hundreds of extra calories a day. Even if you think you are "eating healthy" - using a few dipping sauces and creamers can really put you over the top.

FitKarenMN

My “aha” was realizing my body was just a little too slow to signal that I was full. In the 30 minutes it took for my body to tell me I was full, I was significantly overeating without realizing it. By tracking my food in advance of eating, MyFitnessPal tells me how little I can eat and still be comfortably full. And it works. I lost 35 pounds, kept it off for over a year, and I almost never feel hungry like I used to.

sclady21

OhThatBlonde wrote: »

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)

I wish I could get rid of the coffee creamer too. I can't drink coffee unless it's light beige...which is tons of creamer, carbs, and calories 😬

JustJ2014

sclady21 wrote: »

I wish I could get rid of the coffee creamer too. I can't drink coffee unless it's light beige...which is tons of creamer, carbs, and calories 😬

Sometimes the cals and carbs are worth it. I only have coffee at home and with sugar-free creamer. I do not want to give it up!

hlr1987

That my usual meals aren't terrible macro wise, it's the empty snacks that are rubbish for me.
That it's a fun puzzle to combine foods for a particular result.
And that if I pay attention to my diet, it probably won't be necessary to log religiously for life after the baby weight has gone again, but that I'm never going to be able to live on gummy sweets and chocolate and not take a nose dive health/weight wise. Trying to find the happy medium over time.

KimbersNewLife

316Judith wrote: »

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.

316Judith wrote: »

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.

316Judith wrote: »

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.

316Judith wrote: »

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.

KimbersNewLife

Judith thank you for sharing we often forget who’s child we are and God made us for this! Thank you for the reminder! 💕 You are a true inspiration thank you for sharing your story.