Does everyone log their food?

bcattoes

I just come here for the free cocaine and hookers.

What?? I didn't know that was an option. Is it free cocaine and free hookers, or is just the cocaine free. I've heard cocaine is a great diet aid.

meerkat70

I just come here for the free cocaine and hookers.

What?? I didn't know that was an option. Is it free cocaine and free hookers, or is just the cocaine free. I've heard cocaine is a great diet aid.

It's in the 'tools' section.

cmriverside

I've done both, and both worked. Right now I'm logging again after having put on 16 unwanted pounds. But I have lost 15 lbs before by just healthier eating and more exercise.

I think the trick is getting into a routine and being consistent.

Also I find I tend to eat less vegetables when I don't log - not a good thing.

zenJes

Why would MFP members not log their food? Why be on MFP if you didn't use the power of logging food... I'm missing something.

well to be fair there are some people on here who want to log their fitness as well. I know im one of them, its my record for how much i did at the gym or at kickboxing, it is after all called my fitness pal.
Although i do log my food because I have never really looked at it before and so i want to know how on the ball i really am. Some people also lie and dont log some foods, having been sick for a week i fully understand this, i have been very tempted however i fight my internal power struggle and log them Its such a cool tool however i just hope some people dont get too addicted to counting calories, it worked so well my flatmate now has AN its all about moderation, i like the idea of not counting calories on weekends, it really helps your metabolism if you have an off day and kick it up a notch again!!

shesblossoming

What I like about logging is that it's training me to really look at my portion sizes. Also, the first week on here, I ate what I usually do and realized that sodium was a major problem for me. It just makes you realize the importance of changing your eating habits. I've had a few days where I didn't log anything at all, and I feel I did well. But I think the importance of weight loss is being accountable for what you eat and understanding what foods are good for you and what aren't.

jeffsgal105

I'd like to say I log everything, but last night my daughter and I split an order at a Korean BBQ restaurant and I tried looking up what we ate, but some of it I wasn't sure what it was lol We split one order, didn't even eat what we had, so I decided instead of stressing over one meal, I'd just forget about logging it. I did quick add for calories and used up whatever I had left for the day. Other than that, I do log everything BUT my coffee and tea because I drink them plain so no calories.

fpueblo

I love the joking replys they made me lol. As for logging I log everything I eat. If I didn't I wouldn't be eating enough on a regular basis and when it came to indulging in sweets and desserts I would be eating way to much. this site and logging has kept me on a more regular calorie consumption. This was my problem. Each person has their own reason for being on this site but most are here counting calories and logging because they had no idea what a normal portion was and I am no exception.

fitmom2000

I logged for the first few weeks on MFP. My job requires that I eat out a lot, and so logging was difficult. I stopped logging, and I am still losing but definitely slower than I lost when I was logging. For me the fact that I can continue to lose without logging means that I actually really can do this and sustain it for a lifetime, but it will take me twice as long to get to goal as it would if I was sticking to the logging.

Elanesse100

I don't log my food at all. I use MFP for the Weigh In to track my weight loss and I like to read the message boards.

I follow P90X's Nutrition Plan pretty closely. Sometimes I skimp on the veggies, and I know I do. I don't need a calculator to tell me I didn't get enough. But mostly I try to eat all of them. Eating enough protein isn't a problem for me (Big meat lover). I just have to choose not to eat fried foods and stick with healthier meats like pork, chicken, and turkey instead of beef.

I've consistently lost weight without logging.

MandyCanDo

I am sure lots of people don't log and are successful. I, on the other hand, have finally learned that is what I NEED to do to accomplish my goals. I faithfully use the diary and a HRM so I always know calories in and calories out as well as what I need to do if I want to splurge.

I hope you find what works for you-good luck!!

BenKnowsFitness

I log nothing.

RatBoyGL

Why would MFP members not log their food? Why be on MFP if you didn't use the power of logging food... I'm missing something.

1) To get tips and tricks from the forum.

2) To find new recipes.

3) To use the BMI and BMR calculators.

4) To enter my weigh in numbers.

5) To talk to friends.

That is why I come here. MFP is a lot more than just a food logging site.

I logged every single thing down to a breath mint for 6 straight months and now I am taking the approach of just making healthy choices. I found that after 6 months I kind of know what I can and can't eat and how much of it I can eat.

BenKnowsFitness

Why would MFP members not log their food? Why be on MFP if you didn't use the power of logging food... I'm missing something.

1) To get tips and tricks from the forum.

2) To find new recipes.

3) To use the BMI and BMR calculators.

4) To enter my weigh in numbers.

5) To talk to friends.

That is why I come here. MFP is a lot more than just a food logging site.

I logged every single thing down to a breath mint for 6 straight months and now I am taking the approach of just making healthy choices. I found that after 6 months I kind of know what I can and can't eat and how much of it I can eat.

I agree with you.

MissMaggie3

Wow! I appreciate all the feedback. I KNOW I need to make a change now. I'm going to be 38 in February and I am always stressing about my weight. I'm a very outgoing person, but lately I don't know who I am. Just feeling very down. It makes me mad that I have let myself get to this point. It is very hard to get motivated. Thanks again for all the suggestions!:happy:

Sorry to hear you are feeling low. You will always find plenty of support around here, so just ask. If you want another friend, please add me. :flowerforyou:

Artemis_Acorn

I log everything faithfully and monitor my macronutrient and micronutrient intake in addition to Net Calories. My son just estimates each meal's calories and quick adds those totals + his exercise, and my daughter uses it only to track her weight changes. We all find it a useful tool for our personal situations.

MissMaggie3

Wow! I appreciate all the feedback. I KNOW I need to make a change now. I'm going to be 38 in February and I am always stressing about my weight. I'm a very outgoing person, but lately I don't know who I am. Just feeling very down. It makes me mad that I have let myself get to this point. It is very hard to get motivated. Thanks again for all the suggestions!:happy:

Well, you certainly got an amazing response! Sorry to hear you have been feeling down; you will always get a lot of support around here, so just ask. And if you want another friend, I would be honoured if you chose to friends me.

roblow65

I log everything I eat and for me it works. I use it more so as a way to re-learn the right portion sizes and to see where I over do it.

aceofspudz

Logging is empowering. With logging, there are no worries; you know you will lose weight if you just keep your calories down, no matter what the scale says on a day to day (or even week to week) basis.

Spitfirex007

I very rarely log my food. It's kinda annoying imo. Plus I don't wear a HRM. So my burned calories aren't dead on anyways. Which messes with the numbers. I just eat healthy and workout everyday.

leelee_1974

I've been inconsistent so far but if I commit to logging I find I'm less likely to go over the top with chocolate, cake, cheese, wine etc etc. I've never kept any kind of diary and logging everything makes me feel a bit obsessed. I'm getting used to it though, and like it that it forces me to be honest with myself. I can imagine it will be even more useful once I've reached my weight loss goal as in the past that's when I relax and think I can eat and drink what I like, ending up back at square one.

jpiper1921

Why would MFP members not log their food? Why be on MFP if you didn't use the power of logging food... I'm missing something.

I hear and understand all the good retorts about my question "Why would MFP members not log their food?". I concur with and learned other reasons for being an MFP member from some of the posts. Salute!

MissMollieK

I find logging is a pain but seriously helps because I can see where I am struggling to get my nutritional needs and where I go overboard. I then tweek my diet.

davidebarton

i always log because its too easy to underestimate how many calories are in foods. today for example we had gnochi with a small amount of cheese some lardons and stir fried veg with a pesto sauce. per portion i worked it out at 900 calories! for tea we had vegetable soup! i find logging as i go essential as i can compensate for heavier meals with a lighter food. I have also made sure that i dont have too few calories - i dont want to undereat and shutdown my metabolism or burn muscle when my body goes into starvation mode. for a long time i have just been kidding myself that i had an average diet with the odd treat. in fact i was over eating widly. its only since counting and doing regular cycle commuting that I have seen the weight come off, at about 1 pound per week over the last five weeks.

medoria

I dont logg my food on MFP for the simple reason that most of the food I eat are not available in the database. (I live in Sweden)
I still count every calorie and find support in the message boards exchanging ideas and tips, and getting support.

fronc

I don't know if I'm a bit of an exception to the norm but I don't really log anything. I did in the beginning to get an idea of the calorie count, but now I guesstimate everything and focus more on portion sizes. As in little plates filled mostly with veggies (+ some lean protein + some good carbs).

I know this totally doesn't work for some people and they need to be very focussed on calorie counting, but I find this works just fine for me, and I'm generally losing about 2pounds a week

Hope this helps!

ssanderbrink

I log everything, even if Im having a bad day. Make no difference. I know it has helped me to lose and also not to go way over board on a bad day. Like others here I sometime prelog if I know we are going out. Helps me to stay on track. MFP has been a huge help to me. I like reading the success stories also, encourages me to keep going.

_Ben

I log all of my food, and calorie containing beverages. I dont log any diet pop, because ya know what? I dont eat butter, i dont eat cheese, I dont eat dressing on my salad, I dont eat a lot of very unhealthy things, and if I want a carbonated beverage with artificial sugar, then Im gonna have it, and noone will ever tell me different

wickedkitty

I tried to lose weight without logging my food and found that I under-estimate the calories that I am actually putting in my mouth. I also thought I was eating alot less than I actually was. I have found that logging keeps me accountable and paying more attention to serving size. I have tried weight watchers in the past and was sucessful, but carrying around a huge binder to keep track and journal everything was difficult and eventually I just gave up. Now in the day of smart phones it is easier to log and journal because my phone is ALWAYS with me. I love the free mobile ap for MFP ebcause my phone is less cumbersome than a giant binder. I also like how this sight keeps track of everything from calories to fat to sodium etc. because in the long run this will help us all eat more balanced and healthy meals. Don't feel as though you are obsessing, to be sucessful we have to be mindful of these things until we are confident enough to do it on our own. All this takes a bit of practice and we should use the tools available to us in order to reach our goals.

wickedkitty

MFP has a place to add foods to the database if you can't find them.

wickedkitty

I dont logg my food on MFP for the simple reason that most of the food I eat are not available in the database. (I live in Sweden)
I still count every calorie and find support in the message boards exchanging ideas and tips, and getting support.

MFP has a place to log food in the database if you can't find them.