Trying to stick with this app.

12amvenus
12amvenus Posts: 4 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hello from an inconsistant aries who has habitual trouble keeping up with calorie logs. I've used my fitness pal before many, many times and never really stuck with it. Tried other apps but they lacked a lot of the convenience of this one unless you went premium.

So! I'm trying extra hard to take some time out of my day to log things and help myself become more conscious of my intake. I love working out and have challenged myself to double down this year and take it to the next level. Which means, the harder I go, the more important it is to eat propperly. I work retail and often forget to drink water (they don't allow us to keep drinks on the floor) when I do. I'm hoping that this app will help me keep more mindful.

Anyone have any tricks for sticking with it?

Replies

  • lomaxmax
    lomaxmax Posts: 2 Member
    Hello!

    I too have used MFP for several years, and only in the past two have I become a consistent user and tracker. My tricks include finding a diet you can eat everyday and not get tired of eating it. This makes meal prep and tracking so much easier.
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    This is what I eat everyday. I buy my food for the week in bulk on the weekend, cook and store all my perishables in big tuperwares, and pull out and measure what I eat the day that I’m eating it. Also I tend not to track vegetables unless they are cooked in oil, so little calories in veggies it’s not gonna affect your weight all that much.
    I lost 15 pounds the first time doing this two years ago before military boot camp, and now this time around I’m down 22 pounds with plans to loose 18 more. So easy to stay consistent after you’ve done it for two weeks. Just stick with it and trust the process.

    -Max

    “Discipline equals freedom”
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    This is an area where I've found the adage "failing to plan = planning to fail"

    Pre-log as much as you can, even if you don't necessary meal prep, you can have a plan of where you calories are going to come from a day or so in advance.

    Build habits, foster structured discipline, don't make excuses.
  • maraingerham
    maraingerham Posts: 8 Member
    Yeah, I’m finding myself frustrated as I’m becoming increasingly neurotic about it all and given that I have a history of eating disorders I really have to be careful with this and make sure it stays on the healthy track.

    To keep from spending all my time on this damn app I’m not logging things like black coffee, spinach, things I know are virtually calorie-less.
    I think there’s a way to create and save a specific meal so you can just add that instead of adding each individual item... is that correct? That would definitely save time.

    I honestly think it comes down to the individual. This kind of tracking works awesome for a lot of people. I’m a personal trainer and certified nutrition coach and may be better off listening to my body if this continues to make me feel anxious and triggered... we’ll see. Good luck to you!
  • 12amvenus
    12amvenus Posts: 4 Member
    All of you had excellent advise, thank you so much!! After 2 days the shock of seeing how little water I'm in the habit of drinking shocked me into making it an active effort instead of a passive passing thought.

    Meal prep is something I've always wanted to try simply for the convenience of it. I'll have to give it a go :)
  • neezycolbert
    neezycolbert Posts: 10 Member
    I am new to this as well we all just have to try and motivate each other.
  • Jackie9003
    Jackie9003 Posts: 1,115 Member
    I definetely find pre-logging and planning helps, as part of my daily routine I try to log as much as possible when I have my morning coffee so I don't have to do it through out the day - mainly because I don't have time and I might forget.
    Also I know if I can squeeze in something extra if I fancy it, like today when the boss brought in cakes!
    Once you get into the swing of it it becomes second nature and the database is huge so it's also very easy.
  • leeshults
    leeshults Posts: 223 Member
    Pre-log and plan! I found that trying to wing it is my downfall. I keep a 16 ounce cup of water handy and try to get at least 3 down a day. Bottled smoothie's (Bolthouse Farms) are filling for breakfast on my morning commute. You will get the hang of what works best for you in a very short time and planning will become second nature.
  • thanos5
    thanos5 Posts: 513 Member
    yep, i'm with the pre-logging group! keeps me on track.
  • jan110144
    jan110144 Posts: 1,281 Member
    I strongly suggest getting involved in a group that provides accountability and support. One I would recommend is "The Ultimate Accountability" challenge. It focuses on process, not specific weight loss. Participants commit to a minimum of 20 min of intentional exercise a day, tracking food, staying within individual calorie allowance, and reporting in day. Three "pass" days are allowed per month. People who accomplish this make the "Winner's Circle".

    This is a fairly small group (under 100 each mo) and very supportive. I find the focus on process and building key habits really important to long-term success.

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