Hi, Kyle!

Agree with @d_thomas02 about this group. It seems to be difficult to keep groups/threads going in our demographic. I don't know whether that's because we're not social networking natives as a generation, or whether there are few enough of us who start that normal all-ages attrition rates make the participation wither away in our sub-group, or something else.

I did find there was value for me, in logging. I started by rough-estimating calories, but after a few months, having lost only about half the weight I needed to lose, I was kind of stalling out, fat loss getting unpredictable, etc. Joining MFP and logging really helped.

I'm torn about what to say to you: On the one hand, logging accurately was very valuable to me (but it's easy logistically as I live alone). From experience, I know that the first few weeks can seem very effortful, but that as one gets most foods into the recent/frequent foods list, adds meals and recipes, plus generally develops some tricks and skills, it gets easier and less time consuming. I'd be surprised if it takes me as much as 10 minutes a day now, and that's more than worth it to me for the quality of life improvement that comes from that investment.

On the other hand, I can see that in your scenario, with someone else doing the cooking - when it would be a bad plan interpersonally to maybe annoy them - logging more approximately might be enough to do the trick, and it would be easier.

From the nutrition standpoint, a few observations: Yes, nutrition is important for health and to support fitness, and that's clearly important to you. (It's not directly important for weight management, though.) But humans are adaptive omnivores: We don't need to be perfect on every nutrient every single day, being good overall, on average, should be fine. Bodies can juggle some nutrients for short to long time periods - depending on which nutrient - to balance things out biochemically. If you're pretty sure you're getting adequate protein (meat eaters usually do), some health fats (nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, etc.), and lots of varied, colorful veggies/fruits routinely, you're probably fine nutritionally.

My favored activities are outdoor things (on-water rowing, some lesser-role cycling on a hybrid). I used to spin (pre-pandemic) but got an indoor bike so Winter is rowing machine, stationary bike, and usually some strength training. (I'm bad about strength training: I don't love doing it, and I'm too hedonistic for my own best benefit.)

I've found participating in the Community really helpful, and haven't found it especially important to stick with people in my demographic (I'm F, 66). It seems like the whole range of people of all ages here have many of the same challenges, and can offer good suggestions/ideas.

In that sense, I think d_thomas's suggestion of one of the challenge or motivation groups is a good one. I tend to spend too much time in the Community (subjectively speaking), but do get a lot of out of recurring participation in one general exercise thread** (especially in the more-challenging Winter off season), and a couple of ongoing food/cooking threads***. I think different ones would work for different people.

** https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10705619/what-was-your-work-out-today#latest

*** https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10726786/for-the-love-of-produce#latest
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10854349/cheese-admiration-and-celebration#latest

I'm not saying those specific threads would be right for you, just explaining as an example, from my personal perspective.

There are also some great tips/tricks and such in the "Most Helpful Posts" section of each Community topic area.

I don't have an opinion about paying/not paying as a motivator . . . I think that's one of those things that helps some people, but not others. If it helps you, that's great. Personalization of tactics in all aspects of fitness/weight management/health is key to success, I think.

As background, I'm pretty active athletically (especially in non-Winter), used MFP to lose from just over the line into class 1 obese back in 2015-16, have been at a healthy weight since, though with a few pounds of up and down in that healthy range from time to time. I have to admit, I'm a sub-par MFP friend - more of a Community forum kind of gal, I guess.

Wishing you much success!

Stick to it!