any one pre plan their food journals?

2»

Replies

  • georgia98_98
    georgia98_98 Posts: 123 Member
    I usually sit down and put in what I think I'm going to eat especially for dinner to see if it will fit into my calorie count and then make any changes needed. It seems to work better than eating and then trying to add it up. The important thing for me is to be honest. If it goes in my mouth it goes on the computer no matter how bad it is. I've managed to lose 70 pounds since last May 1st.

    I do the excate same!!! :wink:
  • staceyseeger
    staceyseeger Posts: 778 Member
    I spend an hour (or more) every Sun, measuring, cooking & packaging all of my meals for the week so that I can have the convenience of CONVENIENCE food. Yes, it does take time, but I know I will not have to fretting over what to take for breakfasts or lunch later in the week.
  • it_be_asin
    it_be_asin Posts: 562 Member
    I work about 80% of my day a little after breakfast - obviously I know what I ate for breakfast, but I usually know and stick to a menu for lunch, dinner and a few of my snacks. Then I balance my calories and macros using the room left over in my calorie allowance, and eat these foods for afternoon snacks and supper.
  • BarbWhite09
    BarbWhite09 Posts: 1,128 Member
    I always pre-plan mine :)
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    I do to some extent. Like for example, I have the one of 2 things for breakfast and lunch so my calories don't really vary for those two meals. My unknown factor is dinner. I usually put different meals in my diary to see what I'll have left over after that. For example, if I eat right when i get home from work, then I want a snack a few hours later so I pick a smaller dinner to have calories for a snack. If I eat later, I don't want a snack. But I don't plan them out too far in advance.

    Sometimes if I want something that I don't eat often, I'll put it all in early so I know how many calories I should exercise to not go over.
  • kjannan
    kjannan Posts: 248 Member
    When I'm organised I log the whole weeks dinners when I'm writing my shopping list. It's one less thing to worry about at the end of the day as it's all planned .

    I used to log the whole days eating the night before, I really should get back into that!
  • twinmom430
    twinmom430 Posts: 457 Member
    I do!! I plan the day before, that way I know how much I can eat or if I need to tweak anything so that I don't go over my calories. It helps me alot.
  • dara516
    dara516 Posts: 68
    Yes, I do. I think per-planning is very helpful. I'm much more inclined to stick to my caloric goals, and less likely to fall "into temptation."
  • cowgirlashlee
    cowgirlashlee Posts: 301 Member
    I usually sit at breakfast and plan the rest of my day, including drinks (non-alcoholic..I'm not 21) and snack food. I write it on a piece of paper, and carry it with me, that way I know what I can have as my day goes. I take my snacks with me in my purse, and I find that having my written list has really helped, especially since I can't always get to my computer to track.
  • november03
    november03 Posts: 205 Member
    I pre log on days that I work..... I will usually pre log my day in the morning, so I know how much I have to work out that day...to try to stay in the green.

    I might start pre logging a couple days...seems to be working well for others. =)
  • 15in8
    15in8 Posts: 141 Member
    I preplan, but I log as I go as I find I have one or 2 things change on any given day. It is good to have a plan I think.
  • lois4468
    lois4468 Posts: 166 Member
    I have to! Wanted homemade prime rib for dinner so put that in first and built the day around it, less for rest of meals and had to choose carefully, but did it. Your diary can be seen by your friends if you set it up that way and they could help you with that.
  • HonkyTonks
    HonkyTonks Posts: 1,193 Member
    Yes very much so! And I will guesstimate exercise calories, I exercise at night and need to know how many additional calories to eat throughout the day otherwise I will do the exercise and have to find things to eat at night to make it up! I will usually add my lunch and dinner to know how many available calories I have for eating snacks!
  • ShellyMacchi
    ShellyMacchi Posts: 975 Member
    I do! I almost always fill it out in the am while I drink my coffee. That way I always know I'm staying in my calorie range.

    ^^^i do this too^^^

    me too! *L* morning rituals... gotta love 'em
  • lr8812
    lr8812 Posts: 111
    Yep! I plan for the following day! This keeps my mind at rest through the day. Like right now it's time to start planning my busy Monday. lol
  • noexcuses84
    noexcuses84 Posts: 100 Member
    i preplan to a certain extent. at lunch i sit down and put in wat i'm having for afternoon tea and dinner. I just don't have the time to do it of an evening and it also helps me stay on track!
  • I DO! i found that it helps me stay on track and it is easier for me!
  • jmjones66
    jmjones66 Posts: 144 Member
    I normally plan my meals for the next day, in the evening. I always take breakfast, lunch, and two snacks to work, so I usually enter all of my food in after packing my meals. Dinner is the only meal that I don't plan for. I never know what the plan is for dinner until I get home that evening (hubby cooks dinner!) Entering the calories the night before helps me to keep from overeating and maintaining better control.
  • LittleMissAngi
    LittleMissAngi Posts: 243 Member
    I tried that one week, it helped out a lot! Thanks for reminding me to do it tonight

    Although I only plan for next day, I can't do the full week yet since my husband and I are in between houses and staying with my parents until the new one is ready, talk about stress!
  • I found if I pre-plan my meals I eat what I plan. If I just rely on putting my food in, I overeat. Planning ahead is so much easier, I know what I am going to eat so I am not "searching" for something for eat that ultimately ends up being a less nutritious choice. Also by pre-planning, I know what to shop for. Good luck.
  • I always pre-plan my meals. It helps me stay on track and if I want to add in something along the way I already know what I'm working with.
  • TammyLynne71
    TammyLynne71 Posts: 184 Member
    I just got done pre planning my food for tomorrow. I'm also going to pre plan fo Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday I'll pre plan for the rest of the week.
    The idea of doing mass cooking and meal planning on Sunday afternoon is something I am going to do.
    If any of you want to look at my food diarys please feel free. Your input would be great.
  • TammyLynne71
    TammyLynne71 Posts: 184 Member
    I spend an hour (or more) every Sun, measuring, cooking & packaging all of my meals for the week so that I can have the convenience of CONVENIENCE food. Yes, it does take time, but I know I will not have to fretting over what to take for breakfasts or lunch later in the week.

    awesome idea!!!!!!!!
  • Cassi1990
    Cassi1990 Posts: 74 Member
    I cant pre-plan. Maybe for the day, but definitely not for an entire week. I change my mind WAY too much! Ha ha!
  • Aaloo79
    Aaloo79 Posts: 105
    Well, sometimes I plan ahead but just for a day. This way, it helps me to increase my protein intake and make it a point to add a few fruits and vegetables here n there.
  • skeetpea
    skeetpea Posts: 241 Member
    I do! it has helped me tremendously!! I go to the store on saturdays and buy my food for the week. After shopping on saturday I will sit down and type in all my meals on MFP and also 'when' I should eat those meals for the day. Then I transfer all of that information onto my calender on my smart phone. My schedule is so busy during the week sometimes that this has been the only way I can keep track of what I should eat.
    :drinker:
This discussion has been closed.