Logging food ahead of time

elena0559

Does anyone else log food in ahead of time? For example I already know what I will be having fo breakfast in the am and what my snacks will be so I just add them now so that I stick to it and save some time later.
Is this a good idea? Im new to this so any advice is very much appreciated.

blu_meanie_ca

I'm insulin resistant (otherwise known as IR on this site), so I have to keep a low carb load. Pre logging food is the only way I can keep my carbs in check, and stay on track with calories (so I'm not filling up with too many high cal options per meal either). If I'm ambious I'll pre-log the day before, and adjust as needed. But, always before prepairing a meal.

Amlynnskie

That's what I do, and it's been working great! I figure out my whole food menu for the day while I have my morning coffee. It keeps everything really simple that way. Good luck

JUDDDing

Definitely log before you put it in your mouth.

At least until you know what it has for calories.

There's no reason for bad surprises.

crowunruh

I log everything the night before. I focus alot on my macros so that takes some time to plan.

trogalicious

I'll sometimes log lunch before I eat it, or if I know what I'm having for dinner, I'll pre-log the main components. Because I cook/prep/pre-sort proteins into easily logged amounts (100g of chicken, 3.5 oz of steak, etc) I can just key in the main meal components as I go.

Do I make it a habitual thing? No. Not necessarily. If that's what you want to do, though, jump on it. It doesn't hurt to know what you have left to use, calorie-wise, by the end of the day.

lizschiller165

Yes! I do this as well, and it seems to be working for me. I plan out my meals and it keeps me on track for the most part.

Thinknight

I log food in before i eat it, its especially good when you calculate everything and you find you have a few hundred calories left for the day. Thats when I treat myself to a small snack bar and a nice cup of tea! Makes this diet seem less of a diet if chocolate is still in my life

Carpaydeeum

yes i do! and i really enjoy ending the day not eating all the food i logged

ladymiseryali

I pre-log all the time. It helps.

loranch

I've started to do this a lot more. It makes it a lot easier because I'm really trying to hit all my macros

hdjjones

If I know in advance what we are having for a holiday meal I log it so I can control portions and calories. That way I can save some for a little pie and not go over my calories for the day.

maeck

I log ahead all the time, for me it really helps. I make my lunch to take to work the night before, so I usually log everything for the next day once I've packed my lunch and decided what I'll be making for dinner.

jennifer_417

I do it all the time. It helps to have a plan!

dr3w_s

I always plan for the next day

KANGOOJUMPS

YES!!!, i do food and exercise after waking up,,, that means i stick to it! and get it done! IT WORKS!

XXXMinnieXXX

I often log 4 or 5 days ahead and tweak as necessary. Works well for me. I like being organised and it helps me utilise what is in my fridge so I'm not wasting anything.

Zara

ashleab37

On Saturday I log for the week and do my grocery shopping on Sunday to match. Every night I check to make any adjustments needed for the next day, and I still update my diary with every meal as I refuse to "memorise" the calories. I make changes where I need to but it really works for me.

cara523

Saturday I plan my meals and snacks for the week. Sunday I cook everything and it saves a ton of time during the week.
I figure if it is written, it has to be done so it helps me stick to my goals all week long!

kaylemartin

I always do this; to fail to plan, is to plan to fail - that's my motto

Pixie8504

Yes I do this. It helps keep me on track

Trilby16

Before going to work I always log my breakfast plus what I have packed for lunch and snacks at work. Sometimes I make changes as the day progresses/ I don't see any harm in it. Why not?

nyemu

If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Pre logging is the only way I keep within my calorie goals

dzuli823

I forgot about this. My PhD friend who's also an eating disorder counselor told me once that she recommends her patients pre-log their food up to a week in advance! I don't know if I could go as far as to do that, but I bet a day ahead would be helpful. I'll have to give that a try! Thanks!

mareeee1234

yehh, I think its fun! haha

MN4US

I find that logging ahead of time.. sometimes gives me the time to reconsider whether I really want to be eating what I'm about to eat :happy:

pyrowill

You think it in your head what you'll eat the day before or at least early on the same day, whats the difference then by just logging it. Plus you know the cost of what you'll eat.

SamanthaClarexo

Personally, I think it helps me stay on track if I pre-log. I like to pre-log my WEEKS even! I find if I don't pre-log I am more likely to fall off the wagon.

Everyone's different, but that's just me

flowers1953

Yes, I think it is an excellent way to do it. It means that you are planning and taking control of what you will eat, and gets rid of eating in a chaotic way which is what I have done in the past. I now try to make my entries ahead of time and so far I have successfully stuck to my calorie limits. Well done on your weight loss!

kingofcrunk

I think pre-logging your food can be really helpful. I do it as much as I can so I know what I'm going to be eating and it stops me having to make rash decisions or not knowing what to eat. I can also pack my lunches for work the night before and it saves me money going out and buying lunches every day!

Feel free to add me x

apittmanrn

I find that logging ahead of time.. sometimes gives me the time to reconsider whether I really want to be eating what I'm about to eat :happy:

This, and it makes me happy when I can say at the end of the day, "Yay! I can delete that!"