Do you track before or after you eat?

24

Replies

  • skinnybiotch75
    skinnybiotch75 Posts: 2
    I track my food before I eat as much as possible. That way I know if I decide I want to eat something extra I know what calories I have left to work with. It also keeps me from going over my daily limit too.
  • plzlbsbegone
    plzlbsbegone Posts: 233
    I Pack a lunch everyday, so I eat breakfast, then log that, and log what I brought for lunch. I also log any snacks during the day, after I eat them ( I usually pack healthy ones with my lunch, some days I get to them, some days I don't so I log them only after I have eaten them). Then when I get home, I check what I have left for calories, and log what I plan to eat for dinner to see if it "fits". Then at the end of the night, I will log a snack after I have eaten it if I have enough cals left. So, therefore, I am alllllll over the place!
  • pinkhu13
    pinkhu13 Posts: 133
    Before. A lot of times I'll track days ahead. I might change some things around but at least I have a plan.
  • mrshoneybear1014
    mrshoneybear1014 Posts: 275 Member
    It depends. If I am having dinner at home, I ask my mom to try and measure things so I can figure out my calories. Then if it is a big dinner I will adjust my lunch. That is usually the weekends. If i know I am going out to eat, I try to look up the nutrition information before so I know what I should order. If there isn't any, I will have a lighter day because my calories will be relatively unknown. If I am bringing all my food to law school with me, like a salad and sandwich, I don't bother to log it until after because the day is already all planned out.
  • vicmonster
    vicmonster Posts: 297 Member
    I do both. It helps me to plan around my biggest meal, especially if I'm going out to eat.
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    I log before unless it's something I've had many times and know I'll be under if I eat it. Otherwise, occasionally after... but I always log everything.
  • RunAmock
    RunAmock Posts: 95 Member
    Holy cow. I just posted almost this exact same topic. LOL I usually track after the fact but was wondering if perhaps logging it in advance might help me stick to a tighter regimen.
  • Florawanda
    Florawanda Posts: 283 Member
    I track before, then go back and make changes if I go off plan. It helps me to have a clear plan and see what im eating and like you, I can make adjustments as needed.
    Exactly, me too... it really does help to make adjustments when what you are planning to eat comes to too much - just by having a slightly smaller portion, or changing from mashed potato to a baked potato, can bring you in under calorie goal.
  • gecho
    gecho Posts: 426 Member
    Since I pack my lunch and snacks, I log my breakfast, lunch and snacks before I eat them. I like it since that way I know exactly how many calories I have for dinner and can decide what to eat from there.

    me 2 :smile:
  • robinogue
    robinogue Posts: 1,117 Member
    If I've pre-planned my meals I will go ahead and log them. Otherwise I log as I'm eating.
  • MystiqueASAP
    MystiqueASAP Posts: 747
    I always track before. This way, I know exactly what my nutrients are/are not. Also, this helps if I want to allow for unexpected changes.
  • ShawnaCurley
    ShawnaCurley Posts: 82 Member
    I do it after
  • Weighinginwithmy02
    Weighinginwithmy02 Posts: 369 Member
    I log before I eat some things. Planning helps me make better decisions throughout the day so it just makes sense to also log my planned food all at once in the morning so I can see where I am for those unexpected treats (birthday's, etc).
  • worej
    worej Posts: 108
    I do a combo. I often don't track until after, but if I know something challenging is coming up or if I had an extra snack that might make me go over, I track ahead of time. Most of the time, though, I'm in a pretty solid routine that will not send me over, and I can just enter everything at night.
  • cyclerjenn
    cyclerjenn Posts: 833 Member
    When I create my meal plan for the week I add to my food tracker. This way I know I am getting the right amount of food every day. Then When I make my lunch for work, I look at my food tracker to see what I need to pack. I make adjustments as needed through the week.
  • cupcakestarz
    cupcakestarz Posts: 11
    Before and I make sure I stick to it:)
  • rebelontherun
    rebelontherun Posts: 192 Member
    I've been tracking after I eat for quite a while now, and I feel like tracking before eating works a lot better. That way I can see exactly what I'm eating, how many calories, and can adjust my serving size accordingly.
  • heidiwebs
    heidiwebs Posts: 80 Member
    I usually log most of my day before lunch time. By then, I know what my breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the day will be. It helps me plan dinner and stay within (or hopefully below!) my calories for the day. It really helps show if your protein or fiber will be too low as well.
  • Donkeydriver
    Donkeydriver Posts: 36
    I just decided that I need to log after work... which means I will see what I can have for dinner/snack and workout left... right now, I realize I better workout a little longer than I first thought.... I think this may help me, I used to log at the end of day, but sometimes I'm just too tired, or don't get to it....
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    Primarily log before, but sometimes after if things change!
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    Primarily log before, but sometimes after if things change! I normally plan out my meals for the week.
  • onequirkygirl
    onequirkygirl Posts: 303 Member
    I feel the same way about tracking as I do about going to see a movie. If somebody asks me to go to the movies in two weeks, HELL no. But if it's like "Hey let's go see a MOVIE!" ....Why certainly.

    Well, I track while I'm eating, hahaha.....it helps me eat slower. *shrugs*

    (I also scan the bar codes for everything. It's so much fun!)
  • Libby81
    Libby81 Posts: 734 Member
    In the morning, I fill out the whole day. I'm aiming for 40% carbs: 30% fat: 30% protein so this allows me to fiddle with the food weights to get it close. When i deviate from the plan, I go back and modify. Sounds a little tedious but I enjoy it.

    I do this too. My macros are set up the same. If I log it beforehand I can adjust anything that needs it, plus I don't have to remember what I ate all day and I just have to add in drinks and deviations off plan :ohwell:
  • sjebert
    sjebert Posts: 212 Member
    It depends, I try to log before I eat, or at the very least find out the calories for a serving size and try to eat accordingly. I try to never go into a meal not knowing how much I can or should eat, If I don't know there is a very good chance that I will eat too much and go over my calorie limits.
  • New_Atti2ude
    New_Atti2ude Posts: 114 Member
    BOTH, BUT I PREFER TO DO IT BEFORE BECAUSE I WON'T GO OVER OR DECIDE TO NOT EAT IT OR WHATEVER. I HAVE WALKED THE POST OF SHAME AND ADDED AFTER. I'M HUMAN, BUT HONEST WITH MYSELF.
  • Rach_nutty_fruit_cake
    Rach_nutty_fruit_cake Posts: 5
    Sometimes I log before, sometimes after all depends on what sort of day I have ahead of me


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    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
  • sdrawkcabynot
    sdrawkcabynot Posts: 462 Member
    I usually log my food before and sometimes during...


    ^^^ I do this... if I am cooking something at home - i will scan bar-codes as i go.
  • Gwenski
    Gwenski Posts: 348 Member
    I log my breakfast as I eat it or sometimes after (it's always the same)
    My lunch I log when I get home from work.
    I make sure my breakfast, lunch and any snacks I've had are logged before dinner.
    I then log what I plan to eat for supper before eating supper. That way, if I have to adjust an amount I can do so.
    It gives me a good idea if I have been low or high on something in the day, and I can adjust things if I'd like to have a dessert or snack in the evening.
  • Trishajac
    Trishajac Posts: 482 Member
    I usually log my food before and sometimes during...


    ^^^ I do this... if I am cooking something at home - i will scan bar-codes as i go.

    How are you scanning bar codes? thanks...
  • ToughMudderAddict
    ToughMudderAddict Posts: 290 Member
    I LOVE the scanner on the phone.. I use that as I am going about my day and before I stick food in my mouth. It helps me avoid that "OH ****! I didn't know that's how unhealthy that was.." feeling..

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