Food tracking (or logging) is really popular with some, isn't it?
Food tracking could be the answer.
Whatever your motivation, you can find plenty of apps to guide and inspire you.
{BTW, this post is not sponsored by anyone!}
I've never really felt the need.
Food is not my enemy.
I don't worry about what I eat.
I never feel 'guilty' about what I've put in my body... unless it's too many glasses of wine, then my body has a payback of it's own!
Food is my (very good) friend.
However, after starting the Health & Fitness section at Fake Fabulous, I thought I should give food tracking a go.
You can't have an opinion about something you know nothing about, can you?
My husband bought me a Fitbit at Christmas time and despite initially thinking "Oh, okay?" I now LOVE it.
I like seeing how active my 'normal' life is, as well as tracking my gym time, dog walks and sleeping patterns (I don't sleep too well).
It turned out to be a great gift.
So in the spirit of trying new things (and not moaning about something I have no experience of), I decided to keep a record of everything I eat for a whole week.
It was time-consuming at first but once you've added your 'regulars' and get used to scanning and/or manually adding items it's easy peasy.
It was interesting to see how my normal food habits were broken down into macronutrients...
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
And it was reassuring to see that my diet is (reasonably) well balanced.
{I'm certainly no angel though!}
For my experiment, I didn't change anything about my habits I just kept a note of them.
However, I could see how useful this tracking would be if you were trying to make big changes to your body and eating habits... as long as you didn't cheat (read: Lie!).
It really helps you to sit up and take notice.
So, what happened when I tracked my food for a week?
Hmmm... not a lot!
Was food tracking for me?
No.
Why not?
Well, for one, It's bloody boring!
Secondly, I found myself thinking about what I was eating instead of just eating... i.e enjoying my food.
Food tracking sucked the joy out of food.
And that's certainly NOT something I want to do!
Having said all that, Food tracking could be a VERY useful tool for someone who knows they need to make some major changes to their lifestyle, OR for anyone who can't lose weight and can't figure out why.
{You may be gobsmacked at the recommended portion sizes for some of our favourite foods!}
Food tracking aside, my Fitbit is still my favourite tech toy... the food tracking section has just been switched off, that's all!
SOME FITNESS TRACKERS YOU MAY LIKE
Last week Nicole caught my eye with her post all about wearing colour... and not just because I'm in it. 😊
See the full post HERE.
There are 7 colourful women featured... and some great tips!
If you're a bit colour shy then take a look.
Now, it's all about YOU...
I do feel as if when we concentrate on our food intake...it becomes so all consuming!!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I agree, although it does work for some. XXX
DeleteOh I agree with you Samantha! I love my food and turning it into the ultimate fuel just makes in a bit of a chore. I prefer to deny myself nothing but moderate instead. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Sam
ReplyDeleteI used to track food more in the early 20s and it became a bit obsessive. i didn't like the feeling it gave me, so i don't do this anymore and havent since then. i think it can help others, but it then becomes such a focus. i find that if i eat healthy, i tend to crave healthy foods. that doesnt mean i dont have ice cream or chocolate, everything is just in moderation.
thanks for hosting and have a great week, Happy Mother's Day!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I've found keeping a food diary and weighing food/counting calories to be the easiest way to loose weight, but it's so tedious. I only do it if I'm on a mission to loose a few pounds, but I eat healthily most of the time anyway. I focus on eating well rather than worrying about calories...life's too short!
ReplyDeleteEmma xxx
www.style-splash.com
Just the idea of "keeping a count and recording of daily behavior" is a turn off. I can't think of many things I'd really enjoy calibrating. Maybe shooting stars or breeching whales?
ReplyDeleteLight bulb moment Judy.... thank you!
DeleteI spend my working life calibrating, ordering, recording and documenting.... maybe that's why I don't like doing it in real life!!!??
XXX
In order for me to lose weight, I have to track my food. It's how I can do it. My new notebook, that's working (I've lost 10lbs so far!) is from India and has a very Indian looking cover. It's helping me because when I lived in India I was at my very best weight ever--and you know what? I was food journaling. It's what works for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm off to read your naturally skinny post because I know you are naturally skinny. You are one of the lucky ones Sam--don't you forget it, k?
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
I've been tracking my food for a year or so, and it has made me realize of some bad habits I've had to quit (Too much bread!, too many tapas and wine with friends!). My slow metabolism makes everything harder than usual, but I don't give up!
ReplyDeletebesos
When I need to get myself back in line I track what I'm eating. I only do it long enough to make myself more aware and conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth again...it is super useful, but definitely too tedious for the long term!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
www.fashionfairydust.com
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