I know I've talked about tracking before. But I need a refresher course. I didn't track for over 2 weeks - beginning with the trip to Phoenix from OKC. Tracking again this week has shown me:
1) I've gotten away from some of the healthy eating habits I'd developed when tracking regularly. I was evaluating more than calories. I looked at protein, fat, cholesterol - even folate. And I had learned how to add some foods, and take away others to achieve the recommendations in the nutrients tracked. I've now gone back to old habits of eating a lot of low calorie, but non nutritious, snack foods.
2) I found I had to at least make quick notes during the day to be sure I got everything on the tracker when I finally got on the computer. I saw the results of not doing this when I tracked on Tuesday (see my e-mail on Wednesday)
3) I feel I'll need to track regularly again for quite some time, and then intermittently as needed to get "back on track".

Tonight I read one of the first articles I received from SparkPeople - one of the Fast Break articles. A few statements stood out to me:
1) Memory failure can lead to weight loss failure
2) (Tracking) -The basics of good diet decision-making
3) Education is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and having a good understanding of what you’re putting in your body is one of the smartest things you can do.

I'm taking a little calorie book with me to the retreat tomorrow, and will track by hand while I'm gone. This will be my Thursday blog - is after MN EST. I'll try to check in on Friday, but if no internet access, I'll be back on Saturday. Have a good weekend.