I quit...

i only log when i really want to see how i have been doing...so for a day when i may have eaten more i log, and i am usually on track (past couple weeks anyways). i find the logging to be too much, too addictive for me, i overwhelm myself with 'nutriiton this, fitness that, calories this'...instead of just eating healthy, being fit, and not turning it into an outrageous hobby

I have been logging my food in various ways off and on for 8 years. What stops me logging is the realization that I am no longer logging accurately, or weighing my portions. I laugh because at my heaviest, I thought I was eating 1200 cal...... liar liar pants of fire. No wonder weight loss was sporadic. The truth is when I log I lose (weight that is). But every one takes a break or gets tired of the whole thing. Gaining 2 -3 pounds is my signal to get back on board with logging. Feeling tired, get back on board with logging to make sure I am not eating too many crap foods, or not drinking enough water. Life is a ride, not a race to the finish line. Good nutrition does get easier, but there are too many temptations that surround me every day to give up logging forever. I admire those on MFP that are so dedicated and organized that they eat almost the same foods daily and know what works for them. After three years and losing half my body weight, I am getting better at only having healthy nutritious foods in the house, but it is a constant battle. DON'T QUIT, just take a couple of weeks off, watch the weight, drink the water, keep exercising ( there is no break from moving!) and be accountable to yourself. See you soon!

I'm finding myself doing it more often, maybe one day or so a week but still pretty much eating within calorie limitations. I think it's healthier than pushing to log all the time and then finally quitting for good. I've already lost all of my weight and am simply going through slow bulk/cut cycles anyway.

I don't know you - so take my advice with a grain of salt

I suggest not taking a break unless you truly trust yourself to make wise decisions and stay on track. Consider the pain of logging versus likely outcome of you not logging.

For some people, not logging can be a slippery slope. I personally find it helps when I invest a little extra time to save time and frustration later. If I eat something fairly often, I save it as a recipe or meal so I can easily re-add that meal later. Some days I plan out my meals at the start of the day, and then adjust as needed later. I have a smartphone and use the app and barcode scanner.

Good luck!

im currently taking a break...not sure for how long...

I lost most of my weight before I started logging and since I started I realize that I eat pretty good and really don't need to log to stay on track...just being mindful and eating real food is enough for me to feel good and keep up what ive already done (which is lost 149lbs)...

I don't want to have to log my food for the rest of my life...I get caught up in the numbers and end up stressed and burnt out...

I find myself not logging as religiously, either. Partially because, after months of this, I sometimes need to just not worry about the numbers. A day or two here and there. I think if you're able to eat intuitively, knowing how you normally eat, it could be a good thing.

I have a day here or there where I don't log, but usually it's like a crack habit man. I just keep coming back. Maybe I'm secretly a macros pie chart fetishest, not sure. But I like logging.

I hope you enjoy your break! I think everyone is different. While I may waste time on MFP doing other things, logging food just takes me a few minutes a day, so I never feel like I need a break.

That being said, I can see why taking a break could be beneficial for a lot of people, to relieve stress or for some other purpose.

Personally I could see myself recording every meal/exercise for the rest of my life. All the data could be interesting one day looking back to see my diet/exercise habits from decades prior.

I'm finding myself doing it more often, maybe one day or so a week but still pretty much eating within calorie limitations. I think it's healthier than pushing to log all the time and then finally quitting for good. I've already lost all of my weight and am simply going through slow bulk/cut cycles anyway.

it's not a quitting issue with me... i'm just a bit burned out on keeping track of it all right now. i usually can remember everything i've eaten and then i enter it all into my spreadsheet at the end of the day, but even though i have notes and can bring my spreadsheet up to date for the past few days that i haven't logged, i think about doing so and the only thought that comes to mind is... meh.

If it's burning you out, you could also try going back to basics (logging on MFP). I like to do crazy things with data too (at work) but at times it gets overwhelming and I need to re-assess what's important (I have all this data that I might potentially need at some point versus the ease in which I can pull and manipulate the data).

me too.

Currently on a break. I can't do this all the time. It starts to take over my life and interferes with my ability to make judgments on feeling full. I find myself at the end of the day looking at my micros and macros and having odd-combination snacks to try to meet anything that is missing. To the point where if I am 97% on calcium, I will measure out an ounce of milk and drink it. Or I will eat cantaloupe that I don't want to hit Vitamin A. Or trying to get in 10 or 20 more calories to hit a specific number target when it doesn't really matter at all.

Take the break, guilt-free. I'm really glad I decided to do it.

I hope you enjoy your break! I think everyone is different. While I may waste time on MFP doing other things, logging food just takes me a few minutes a day, so I never feel like I need a break.

That being said, I can see why taking a break could be beneficial for a lot of people, to relieve stress or for some other purpose.

Personally I could see myself recording every meal/exercise for the rest of my life. All the data could be interesting one day looking back to see my diet/exercise habits from decades prior.

Agreed! I almost never take a break for a full day or week but I do sometimes say "F--- it, I'm not going to log everything" but I have advised some of my friends to take breaks. For some, it's beneficial to not have to stress about it. It hasn't gotten to that point yet for me.

Wha???

You, sir, are dead to me.

:laugh: Awesome.

I kinda like the planning ahead... helps me with my grocery shopping too =P But I think taking a break from logging every once in a while is good for you. Eventually, we should all be able to eat healthy without the logging system. Isn't that kinda the point of all this? Training yourself to live a healthy life naturally? As long as you are still making the right kinds of choices, I say more power to ya! Just don't disappear... you'd be missed!

I guess i would ask why are you logging. For the past 11 months you logged your meals and workouts?? What is the purpose behind that. Locate exactly why you want to log and it probably won't feel like a chore. Did someone tell you to log. Then determine what your vision is with what makes you happy. Review what you accomplished in the past 11 months. Then determine what you want the next 11 months. See if logging is needed and once you know then your break should be over too. Keep Going.. breaks should just be the time where you reevaluate. Once that is done. GO!