Ugh....just can't keep logging

Yeah, I feel you! I have an on-again-off-again relationship with logging. I'm really good at it but I tend to stop doing it when I don't see a reason to such as when I just get in the routine of having the same thing all the time (I do this with breakfast a lot) or when a goal I'm working on doesn't seem to require that I do it.

What helps me do log having a specific concrete goal that *requires* that I do it. Abstract goals like "I should be more aware of what I eat" or an old goal of mine from a year ago was "exercise 5 days a week instead of 3" won't work because I won't see in a concrete way the need to log. But now, one of my current goals *also* requires that I get in about 100 grams of protein in *every day*...and honestly, there's no way I can make sure that I do that unless I log because I can't keep track of that in my head.

I guess it's the scientist in me that LOVES logging food. It's so cool to have a way to know how many grams of protein I ingested!!!!
It's so nerdy but it's like I'm a kid in a toy store, I just log stuff I have no intention of eating to see the stats. NEAT

the diary is a tool - and I guess everyone gets to use it in a way that best suits them

Some people open theirs up to be accountable

Some people record every crumb they consume

I take the approach of giving myself a 1200 allowance ( step away from the key board - I know 1200 is really low ) BUT - I do not bother recording the milk in my coffee, the 4 or 5 carrots I may munch on, the mint I ate - stuff like that - I expect I am about 200 over what I actually record - I`m losing weight - I`m eating at LEAST 1200 - I`m not driving myself batty measuring and recording every crumb - I accept as i get closer to my goal weight I may have to tighten up this regime but for now I`m losing weight and feel great.

I also eat more of less the same thing every day so the quick copy options make the diary a snap to fill in

Ditto what they said. And sometimes I just use the Quick calories to save time.

I actually enjoy it. It feels good to be accountable for what I'm putting into my body.

It works very well on my laptop but on my phone I find the app more of a pain. It's hard to sort out all the foods once you get a bunch in there but way easier on the full site. The app could definitely be improved but logging everything is key to making the best of your weight loss effort.

How much did you lose before you logged?

Yes I log. Yes I think it is critical for me.

If you see consistent results you are happy with, then don't bother. But I find that there is a TON of truth that goes on and truth is wildly important in this journey.

This. I was amazed with the amount of calories many foods had. Logging really keeps me on track. You'll just have to make a decision on what works best for you and decide if a possible backside with your weight could occur if you did give up logging.

I see logging as a game, and I actually enjoy adjusting amounts of things to meet my calorie goal. I also find it empowering because I am taking complete control of my food intake and still enjoying the little treats that I want in small amounts. Perception is key.

I was pretty sure I was motivated to lose weight until the whole "log everything you eat" came into play...anyone else just finding it an absolute beating to log every day? Is it psychological? I go great for a few days, a week, then....YAWN! Just can't bring myself to do it! I don't mind logging my exercise, but logging food is just.....:yawn:

No, I see my food as fuel, as far as I'm concerned they are calories of awesomeness and are just as important as calories of exercise spent!

I am a haphazard logger, this does not mean I am not motivated or committed. I use the calorie counter as a guide and its working for me. I am eating less, losing weight and making the effort of being more active. I have a friend who when she wants to lose weight she just averages out her calories mentally for the day and that works for her.

Since I am starting when I do log certain items it does give me an idea of how many calories an item has, so in the future I make better choices, like using less cheese, making my potions smaller, finding out wraps are more calorie then my bread and avoiding that 250 plus calorie cookie

Breakfast and snacks are pretty easy, but the trouble happens when I make dinner or go out to eat.
I have tried the recipe builder but when I use it to make a meal and the item is incorrect in the database, you go to fix it and you are no longer at your recipe builder and have to start from scratch. Then the next time I make that meal, I am not always using the same ingredients or amounts. so a brand new meal to create in recipe builder. Plus on top of that I kept having issues with the page not loading properly. I find the phone app a pain in the *kitten* and avoid using it. Also I do not have cell reception during the day which means I cannot use the app, and since I am at work, I cannot access the website. The phone scanner does not work for me very well since my meat, veggies and grains do not have barcodes.

I try to keep a notepad in the kitchen by my scale and try to take note of my ingredients but sometimes I forget and throw it in the pot before weighing or I have a few days on paper and forget to put in here. I keep track of what I eat, I just don't log it all.

So to the OP, it is boring and tedious and sometimes I don't do it all and sometimes I do.

Edited to add: I am being accountable for what I eat, even if I do not log it. When I drink that lager, or have that burger, or go to a friends and have chicken and veggies. I am making the conscious choice to eat every morsel that goes into my mouth.

:laugh: I'm just messing with you. But seriously, just do it. Don't fall into this mentality.

I too struggled with this when I started using it back in 2012 in fact I completely quit doing it cause I hated thinking about it and would stress about it. So here I am again trying to do it again only this time I am doing it with two of my friends and we are working out together and keeping one another in check. So don't give up and just keep doing it.

Hey its just part of the process, think of it as journaling. Sometimes it can be a hassle but just do it .....like Nike! After while it will become a habit. It keeps you grounded.

Depends on you as a person. Personally I do much better if I log my food and my workouts but if you are someone that can still hold yourself accountable without logging then by all means do what works best for you!

There are times when I pre-log my meals and I find that I stick to my plan better during those times because I won't eat what I have not logged. There are other times when I am able to log as I cook or log as I prepare.

It does become habit and the longer you do it the more comfortable you may become with not logging but still knowing (truthfully) what you did eat.

Just remember it is all about what works for you because when logging your food becomes a chore or bores you then you will be more likely to give up on the journey all together.

I log because i'm in front of the pc anyhow and it helps plan meals out anyhow instead of guessing every morning. Besides 10 minutes of logging is worth it to see my feet for the first time in 30 years.