What did you learn using MyFitnessPal that changed your habits?

Years ago, I had lost over 30lbs on my own just by eating less food and letting myself get really hungry between meals, sticking to a strict timed meal structure. I discovered MFP and developed a severe eating disorder as a result of a fixation on calories and macros. It became my addiction. In recovery I gained around 50 lbs, and in college another 10. Going vegan 2 years ago, I lost almost 25lbs in the span of 1.5 years. Back to in person college, and I've gained about 3lbs back. I'm starting to track my intake now so that I can stop feeling like I'm out of control around food. The strictness and loneliness of covid made it easy to keep the weight off, but a highly social life + stress eating + giving up on focusing on low calorie bases with calorie controlled sauces had led me to gain weight and feel bad about myself. Here's to becoming more calories conscious without triggering myself, with the end goal of never having to track again.

Idontcareyoupick wrote: »

I had repeated lessons learned about portion sizes, especially for snack foods where I thought I was only eating one or two and ended up being 3 or 4. I also learned that I can eat stuff like that in moderation just not to oblivion like I used to

I have found that I absolutely must log my food. I tried the "Eat Mindfully" routine and it just doesn't work for me. My stomach thinks I need a lot more food than I actually do!

My ah ha moment was yesterday actually! My cousin took a pick of me yesterday and commented how tough I look....all I see is how heavy I still am. It has renewed my motivation!

Hi all from Melbourne, Australia. My biggest aha moment was when I realised I 'know' what I need to do to be my healthiest self I have a job where I eat out a lot, but I have come to realise, through trial and error, that we need to live/enjoy life. It's an 80/20 rule. Whenever I can, I fast at least 18 hours, I eat low carb/high fat. I exercise by walking most days at least 5-7kms, sometimes more in the weekends. I do the very best, I can when I can. I feel better with myself when I follow this rule, so when I am eating out and 'splurging' more than I should, its okay and I enjoy it. Live your best life, but take care of yourself as often as you can/whenever you can!

Just being accountable and realizing everything counts. I think seeing each and every food, the calorie count, playing with macros...otherwise you just really don't know. And yes, I've gained weight while working out an average of over 1hr a day, running 5-7 miles every Sunday. Donuts can erase that run!

When I started using MFP I realized how much I would consistently overeat. But I continued to brush off the disappointment 😞 and push forward. I began controlling my calories and challenging myself to meet my goals. I learned what foods I liked that didn't exceed my calorie limits. I learned portion control. And most of all I learned healthy habits that can change my lifestyle. MFP helped me make better choices, and even though I still have more to learn, for that I'm thankful. 🍎🍇🥦

For me, it was measuring my intake. Using a digital food scale and logging EVERYTHING made a huge difference. I went from almost 250 down to 180 in about a years’ time. Also logging my water intake as I was not getting near enough water.
Also seeing others struggles and successes have been a big help as well as inspirational.