Logging food ahead of time

elena0559
elena0559 Posts: 29 Member
edited December 18 in Food and Nutrition
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.
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Replies

  • blu_meanie_ca
    blu_meanie_ca Posts: 352 Member
    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
    Amlynnskie Posts: 39 Member
    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 :D
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
    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
    crowunruh Posts: 246 Member
    I log everything the night before. I focus alot on my macros so that takes some time to plan.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    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
    lizschiller165 Posts: 5 Member
    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
    Thinknight Posts: 35 Member
    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
    Carpaydeeum Posts: 116
    yes i do! and i really enjoy ending the day not eating all the food i logged :)
  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
    I pre-log all the time. It helps.
  • loranch
    loranch Posts: 94 Member
    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
    hdjjones Posts: 130 Member
    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
    maeck Posts: 7
    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
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I do it all the time. It helps to have a plan!
  • dr3w_s
    dr3w_s Posts: 88 Member
    I always plan for the next day
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    YES!!!, i do food and exercise after waking up,,, that means i stick to it! and get it done! IT WORKS!
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    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
    ashleab37 Posts: 575 Member
    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
    cara523 Posts: 116
    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
    kaylemartin Posts: 235 Member
    I always do this; to fail to plan, is to plan to fail - that's my motto
  • Pixie8504
    Pixie8504 Posts: 174 Member
    Yes I do this. It helps keep me on track
  • Trilby16
    Trilby16 Posts: 707 Member
    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
    nyemu Posts: 43
    If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Pre logging is the only way I keep within my calorie goals :wink:
  • dzuli823
    dzuli823 Posts: 115 Member
    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
    mareeee1234 Posts: 674 Member
    yehh, I think its fun! :D haha
  • MN4US
    MN4US Posts: 78 Member
    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
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
    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
    SamanthaClarexo Posts: 353 Member
    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 :smile:
  • flowers1953
    flowers1953 Posts: 1
    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
    kingofcrunk Posts: 372 Member
    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
    apittmanrn Posts: 200 Member
    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!"
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