What I've learned about Tracking is....

Posts: 127
11/15/12 10:06 A

I HATE tracking, but it honestly is necessary to success.

Mayo and cheese on my sandwich, +300 calories. 5 french fries off my boyfriend's plate, 150 calories. Sugar in my coffee, 100 calories. Before I know it, I'm waaaay over!

And with only a few small changes (splenda, no fry snatching, no cheese/mayo) I'm well inside my range. That's the real benefit for me -- realizing the impact of the incremental small add-ons to my meals. They actually DO make a difference!

current weight: 173.2

185 173.75 162.5 151.25

140

Posts: 5,112
11/15/12 9:47 A

Tracking --

What I have learned about tracking is: It works and helps me lose weight.

Total SparkPoints: 33,426

	30,000 32,499 34,999 37,499	39,999
SparkPoints Level 15

SparkPoints: (21,413)
Fitness Minutes: (17,855)
Posts: 198
11/15/12 6:32 A

IT WORKS!!!! Makes you aware.

current weight: 181.0

183 176.75 170.5 164.25

158

SparkPoints: (6,280)
Fitness Minutes: (1,931)
Posts: 165
10/1/12 1:43 P

I'm kind of lazy and have found myself turning down eating foods just because I don't feel like tracking it. Sometimes I turn them down because I don't want to see how much it is in the tracker. Like so many have said, I never lose weight without it.

Pounds lost: 20.2

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Posts: 1,079
10/1/12 1:40 P

If I don't track, I simply don't pay enough attention to what I eat, and I end up overeating and start to gain weight...not a lot, so far, but enough to notice! I am starting to track again today...and as often as necessary!!!

Edited by: SNARDEESNIFF at: 10/1/2012 (13:41)

current weight: 139.0

172 163.25 154.5 145.75

137

SparkPoints: (9,866)
Fitness Minutes: (1,288)
Posts: 518
10/1/12 12:22 P

It only works for me when I don't obsess over it. track it quickly and then move on. When I spend alot of time trying to track a restaurant meal perfectly (which will never happen anyway), I obsess and then give up the next day and binge. So the key for me is to quickly track it (and that means making quick approximations) and moving on!

current weight: 220.0

220 212.25 204.5 196.75

189

SparkPoints: (16,168)
Fitness Minutes: (8,562)
Posts: 5
10/1/12 11:46 A

I learned that I eat way too much in general; and that I eat "fun foods" every single day.

current weight: 298.0

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Posts: 5,112
10/1/12 8:54 A

I have learned that by tracking I can lose weight. It also tells me what nutrients I need to do better on. I just need to do it right away in the morning and then plan my meals and put them in for lunch right away. If I'm out, I keep a small little notebook in my purse and put all food I've eaten in the notebook and record when I get home.

Total SparkPoints: 33,426

	30,000 32,499 34,999 37,499	39,999
SparkPoints Level 15

Posts: 193
10/1/12 7:56 A

I have to do it if I'm going to lose weight. If I don't record it, I forget it, and then I end up eating more because I don't think I've eaten enough for the day. If I don't track, I just follow my hunger cues, which can be deceiving

Pounds lost: 3.0

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Posts: 52
10/1/12 7:55 A

...it's the little things that add up: A pat of butter here, a teaspoon of sugar there, coffee creamer...they add up quickly. Fresh unadulterated veggies give you a lot of mileage for you calorie count, while breads and rice don't. Once you start tracking accurately and can look at your eating patterns, you can make adjustments that really work!

Pounds lost: 48.0

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SparkPoints: (2,303)
Fitness Minutes: (3,142)
Posts: 1
10/1/12 1:09 A

Before I started on Sparkpeople, I thought I ate healthy, but it was rare that I would eat three meals a day. And when I did eat,it would usually be only dinner. Then I would eat 2-3 servings, just to fill me up. My downfall was carbs.....bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, junk food and sweer tea. My metabolism was all screwed up......No wonder I could not lose any weight...... A few weeks ago, I found Spark People, and started my health kick. My beginning weight was 172,and I am 5' 10" ; not bad, but not where I wanted to be. Plus, even though I was not fat, I was out of shape. I immediately set a goal to lose 30 lbs.by Christmas. Tracking my nutrition and my exercising gave me great motivation. I made it a point to eat three meals a day plus a healthy snack in between. In addition, I also started walking 2 miles, twice a day, everyday; also,I started bicycling 5 miles a day, M-F. I started reading all my labels, and literally would not eat something, if it was not healthy. Within 5 weeks, I have already lost 17 lbs. and still going strong. Tracking my nutrition and exercise, has allowed me to stay motivated and stick to the program. It works for me!!! I should easily be able to meet my goal before Christmas.

current weight: 138.0

172 163.5 155 146.5

138

SparkPoints: (30,604)
Fitness Minutes: (13,291)
Posts: 1,278
9/30/12 10:12 P

in general, I have a balanced diet. I was just eating way too much! Measuring and tracking help me with that. There are days I get way too much fiber, but it doesn't seem to bother me. I am having a great deal of trouble getting enough potassium. That's one area I am always deficient in.

current weight: 250.0

310 282.5 255 227.5

200

Posts: 680
9/30/12 8:08 P

I learned that 50 percent of my calories is fat. I need to eat more variety in my diet and get more protein. Since adding beans to my diet, I dropped the fat to 25 percent of my calories.

current weight: -0.2  under

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Posts: 5
9/30/12 7:44 P

I have learned I don't eat enough protein also. Would have never thought! I don't like beans or tofu so must look at others foods.

current weight: 139.8

144 141.25 138.5 135.75

133

SparkPoints: (32,567)
Fitness Minutes: (9,011)
Posts: 1,869
9/30/12 7:39 P

I have learned that tracking is key! I have to add my food everyday or I know I will go over.

current weight: 218.4

229 205.5 182 158.5

135

Posts: 1,197
9/30/12 7:37 P

I have to track every day in order to be sucessful

current weight: 157.0

181 170.75 160.5 150.25

140

Posts: 2
9/30/12 7:18 P

I am new to SP. I love the tracker. I find, I make better choices because I really don't want to see the bad stuff in black and white.
I love to read you comments. It motivates me even more. Just knowing I am not in this race alone.

current weight: 272.0

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Posts: 386
9/30/12 6:47 P

I set my eating for the next day to tryto stay close to the plan. This way I can make changes before eating too much or too many carbs. I like tracking and has helped me stay focused.



Edited by: JEANNINEW1 at: 9/30/2012 (18:48)

Posts: 11
9/30/12 5:51 P

Tracking and measuring are the two most important actions for me to take to make the changes I want to make in my body and in my health and over all well being. Both make me aware of the choices I have and the choices I have made. More important even than the scales!

current weight: 215.0

224 205.5 187 168.5

150

SparkPoints: (3,539)
Fitness Minutes: (4,390)
Posts: 13
9/30/12 3:00 P

tracking keeps me honest with myself. For a long time, I thought I was a healthy eater, using only foods from my farmers markets. But once I started using the tracker, I could see that I was eating WAY TOO MUCH food. I appreciate the "mirror" the tracker has become for me.

Pounds lost: 17.9

0 13.5 27 40.5

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SparkPoints: (11,423)
Fitness Minutes: (21,840)
Posts: 476
9/30/12 2:46 P

It keeps me based in reality.

current weight: 152.0

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Posts: 29
9/30/12 2:33 P

Is that it's vital to use it if you really want to lose weight and make sure you are eating the right balance of carbs, fats, and proteins. I've tried losing weight both ways and this way keeps you honest with yourself about what you've have consumed for the day.

Pounds lost: 49.0

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SparkPoints: (1,380)
Fitness Minutes: (450)
Posts: 8
9/30/12 1:15 P

you can also download the sparkpeople app to your phone, that way you wont have to take a pad and pencil just log it in on the go. i love it

current weight: 184.0

188 178.5 169 159.5

150

SparkPoints: (2,429)
Fitness Minutes: (212)
Posts: 2
9/30/12 12:20 P

...I definitely eat too much fat. Using the tracker has really demonstrated to me how much "hidden" fat there is in the foods I eat. It's also helping me figure out how to balance out my meals - I'm pre-diabetic and this is a great way to see how appropriately meal plan. Not that I have it all down pat yet, but I'm on my way!

Pounds lost: 0.0

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Posts: 10,913
9/30/12 12:19 P

Every little bit counts! If you bite it write.

current weight: 149.8

180 166.25 152.5 138.75

125

SparkPoints: (911)
Fitness Minutes: (425)
Posts: 4
9/30/12 11:01 A

I have learned that I don't eat enough protein! I have been trying to stock up on tofu, beans, nuts and edamame.

Posts: 5,112
9/30/12 9:03 A

Tracking keeps me accountable to what I eat. I like the nutrition tracker on spark and use it daily. I also keep a notebook with my Points plus and keep track of f+v and all the guidelines from WW each day.
If I am away from the house, at least I have my notebook to remember what I ate and then record it later.

Total SparkPoints: 33,426

	30,000 32,499 34,999 37,499	39,999
SparkPoints Level 15

SparkPoints: (13,720)
Fitness Minutes: (4,470)
Posts: 1,101
9/29/12 8:15 P

I'm new to SP and have been using the nutrition tracker for the past two and a half weeks. It's definitely been helpful to me. Some days I fall within the suggested range and other days I don't. Tracking my food definitely brings a new awareness as to the amount of calories, fat, protein, and sodium that I'm consuming. If I continue to use the food tracker, I believe it will serve as a great tool for future weight loss.

Pounds lost: 34.6

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Posts: 7
9/29/12 8:09 P

Well the best thing that i have found with tracking is that i am accountable to myself for what eat. I love the tracker here i have tried a few different sites and i have found that i love all this site has to offer. It is reall helpful to see the different choices i have and the fact that i can eat my small meals and not feel like i have to eat like everyone else. If i want to have an ice cream cone i go for a kid sized one and the craving is gone and its so easy to track. I dont feel like i am cutting any foods out but i can choose the best caloric bang for my buck. I am a veggie lover and fruit lover and i have found that i totally have under estimated the amount of calories in an apple and a peach has but they are so much more filling than a granola bar...i know now that when i dont track it is sabatoging my success.

Pounds lost: 10.0

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90

SparkPoints: (19,829)
Fitness Minutes: (10,988)
Posts: 4
9/29/12 7:08 P

I am a snacker...tracking has helped me to moderate my snacking and make better choices - instead of always going for crackers and cheese or nuts (though these are not bad choices when in moderation), I'm paying closer attention to my snacks and opting for more veggies. Tracking has also made me more aware of how little water I was drinking.
Overall, HUGE help to altering my habits and monitoring what I am eating.

Pounds lost: 9.0

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SparkPoints: (12,509)
Fitness Minutes: (11,635)
Posts: 239
9/29/12 6:34 P

I completely agree...tracking is a crucial tool for me...without it, I am challenged to stay "on track" with a healthier lifestyle. One eye opener realized through tracking...an enormous amount of sodium I can consume when not paying attention...sometimes more than double the recommended value! Wow! Knowledge is power, so I am going to use all I have to make for a healthier lifestyle.

Pounds lost: 6.6

0 5.75 11.5 17.25

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SparkPoints: (3,121)
Fitness Minutes: (995)
Posts: 48
9/29/12 6:18 P

Tracking food is essential. I constantly analyse my track. I now take a weekly average on my nutrition. That helps when I look at my daily food and say missed the fiber by 1 point. I have found that a lot of my eating averages out pretty good. I say this because I have been eating like this for 6 months or so. My last lab report came back and everything was within the limits.

I must say that in the last few weeks I have noticed something different about me. I have gone most of my life letting my brain determine what and how much to eat. Rarely did I consider what my body wanted. Now, thankfully, my body is signalling my brain and my brain is listening. I try and develop strong habits. It seems to be working. I go to the grocery store and almost checked out without having gone down the center isles. I wouldn't have but frozen blueberries and salmon are in the freezer section. I also had a struggle with getting Crystal Light. Several weeks ago I was getting two or three containers of that stuff. Last week I ran out and kept forgetting to add it to my list. Finally, today, I said to myself, go ahead. So, I did. That may and probably is silly but this is my mindset now. After all these months of seeing what foods were bad for me, I don't like buying processed foods of any kind. I mean the frozen dinners, cans of soup, cereal, etc. By my eliminating processed foods I now don't have much to worry about in my new lifestyle. It seems as though my body got through to my brain and said. " See "brainiac", if you eat right you won't be craving all those trashy foods.

I buy one precooked turkey breast from Harris Teeter once a week. I am snacking on some now. No sauce, no nothing. That's my body talking to my brain now. That is the reason I mentioned Crystal Light. My brain finally won out for the first time in weeks.

I use all sorts of weird tricks to get me to eat right. When I was in the grocery store I was trying to think of a good analogy for eating the right foods. This is a bad one but it works for me. Here is what I was thinking. I'm making a pot of vegetable soup and I go to all the trouble making sure everything that I put in it was perfect. I'm sure all you do this as well. But, at the very end along came my candy urge and to me it was like throwing a handful of dirt in the soup. That is how I now look at my old eating habits. I eat a chocolate bar and I've ruined everything. This is a bad analogy but it does work for me and that's all that matters.

I have noticed that by my eating this way I don't think about chocolate ice cream, chip cookies or Snickers bars. I could go on more but I'm not sure what I have said makes any sense.

hth


Edited by: OSLOFILE at: 9/29/2012 (18:25)

Pounds lost: 6.6

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Posts: 1,193
9/29/12 4:12 P

It requires discipline....
It works, I lose weight when I track my food intake.😃

May SparkPoints: 1,790

0 550 1100 1650

2200

Posts: 1,508
9/29/12 4:10 P

Tracking food makes you see in black and white what your choices are but it also means if you give into a craving you can adjust what else you eat or move some more to burn the calories

current weight: 156.0

167 162.75 158.5 154.25

150

SparkPoints: (4,762)
Fitness Minutes: (1,857)
Posts: 4
9/29/12 2:14 P

I am finding this to be very helpful. I don't eat a lot of meat and I was consistently falling below the needed protein, which I discovered due to the tracker, so now I am making adjustments to be sure I get that in. Also, it amazes me how fast fat adds up : )

Pounds lost: 0.0

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113.6

Posts: 9,950
9/29/12 11:43 A

...any time I don't want to do it, it's likely because the food I'm considering is something I really should rethink before I eat it!

Posts: 564
9/29/12 11:35 A

a/ It keeps me accountable to what I'm eating
b/ I'm more likely to choose a healthy option because I'd much rather record a good choice than a bad one. :)
c/ It gives me data to bring to my doctor - I'm eating enough fibre but am having X problem; I'm eating enough iron but I'm having Y issue - so that certain things can be eliminated from the get go
d/ I can see just how effective exercise has actually been
e/ Its helping me learn to pre-plan out my meals and get better organized.

Sometimes I get really tired of tracking. Its not the food or the activity I get tired of - its tracking it all. But when I slack off on the tracking, I slack off elsewhere. So its a good idea to have reminders around as to why tracking is important!!

current weight: 0.0  under

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Posts: 4,422
9/29/12 9:16 A

I like this subject. I am tracking also. It is the only safe way.

Like all your answers.

Edited by: BEESPARKLE at: 9/29/2012 (09:16)

current weight: 189.0

189 182.5 176 169.5

163

SparkPoints: (817)
Fitness Minutes: (201)
Posts: 2
9/29/12 1:14 A

Keeping track of my food intake has severely shocked me into seeing how bad my current eating habits are. Hopefully I can now remedy it and start eating more balanced meals.

Pounds lost: 3.0

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Posts: 140
9/29/12 12:20 A

It helps keep me on track and is helping me to develop some consistent healthy behaviors.


btw This is my first posting...

Edited by: BARHAAS at: 9/29/2012 (00:21)

Pounds lost: 34.0

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Posts: 236
9/28/12 8:04 P

If I do my own thing, it is OFTEN NOT LISTED. Anyone have a cue about the Panera Cobb salad if one deletes the dried out chicken breast part?

Pounds lost: 9.0

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SparkPoints: (31,925)
Fitness Minutes: (23,215)
Posts: 5,261
9/28/12 6:49 P

It helps to keep me on track. I see what is left and work round it.

current weight: -1.0  under

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

SparkPoints: (2,197)
Fitness Minutes: (2,635)
Posts: 25
9/28/12 3:38 P

It keeps you honest. Unless you write it down or type it in, it usually doesn't sink in, atleast for me.

Pounds lost: 2.0

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Posts: 699
9/28/12 3:24 P

it is the biggest key to my weight loss success!

Pounds lost: 28.0

0 9.5 19 28.5

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SparkPoints: (4,765)
Fitness Minutes: (2,594)
Posts: 70
9/28/12 2:14 P

Sometimes portions can be much larger than you guess. Tracking food meant I had to start measuring and I was very surprised at some of the results.

And I've learn just how much sodium is in processed food! I always thought I ate mildly healthy but my sodium intake was horrible and I don't even add salt to my food! It was all from lean cuisines, lean pockets and things of that sort.

Also, I knew veggies were low cal but I never realized just how much salad filled with veggies you could eat for barely any calories.

And alas alcohol, I didn't realize just how quick some shots can add up to half a day of calories. I was quite a drinker but I want a flat tummy more so now I drink on Saturday night only if at all. Now all the time spent drinking is spent exercising or planning healthy meals. :)

current weight: 101.0

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Posts: 45
9/28/12 11:19 A

I agree, usually the goof up isn't nearly as bad as I thought. Ofen when I think I have eaten all day, it turns out that I haven't even gone over the top of my calorie range.

current weight: 184.5

214 199.25 184.5 169.75

155

SparkPoints: (1,885)
Fitness Minutes: (932)
Posts: 1
9/28/12 11:17 A

I have learned that you can forget things that you have eaten during the day or week, when tracking I see exactly what I am eating and can make adjustments. Also I find that being able to see the additional nutrients along with the calories shows me where my calories are coming from and what changes I need to make in my choices over the long term.

Pounds lost: 11.0

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Posts: 39
9/28/12 11:13 A

I have learned that if I have a slip up I usually imagine it being much worse than it actually is after I log it. I make sure that even if I go off my plan I should still log it.

Pounds lost: 3.5

0 27.25 54.5 81.75

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Posts: 436
9/28/12 8:54 A

I've tried so many diets in the past, but I really believe that counting calories is the way to go. It's not just a diet it's a new way of life!

Pounds lost: 13.8

0 7.85 15.7 23.55

31.4

SparkPoints: (32,096)
Fitness Minutes: (36,656)
Posts: 875
9/28/12 8:14 A

What I've learned about tracking my food and exercise is how I'm progressings in my journey to getting rid of this excess weight.

Food tracking has always been my downfall, I hate being told what to do and to be obedient to a certain thing......sort of. I'm not bad, but just lazy.

Well, my 17 year old daughter went on a health kick this summer and started eating fruit and cutting out sugar. She started exercising and reading about health, weight, and dietary news. She was learning lots and losing weight and looking trim. (She never was fat, but healthy and has always be a beautiful, smart, and talented young lady)

Anyway, she started sharing this info with me and telling me how if you just eat the good stuff with a little bad and keep your calories down below what you burn normlly by just living; throw in some exercise and voila you can lose weight, Mom!

Hmm, I thought,so I tried and started tracking my food, checking to see how much of one thing I made goal with and what I needed to eat to round out the day with the nutrition report. She inspired me to start paying attention to portions and helped me with that. So the tracking has been a great help, it has even become somewhat of a game of how low I can go calorie-wise, getting in all the fruits and vegetables, protein and carbs I need for the day and still be below my normal burn.

So far, since late July, I have lost nearly 14 lbs. As a member of sparkpeople for 4 years, this is the first time I've lost this much and have been so motivated!!

Tracking and the reports help me a great deal!...along with my oldest daughter, what a blessings she is!

Pounds lost: 25.9

0 13.25 26.5 39.75

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Posts: 288
9/28/12 6:16 A

"Anything worth doing is worth tracking" a former CFO of IBM. I find that if I am not tracking, I am not being diligent about my efforts and nor am I aware of the cumulative bumps in the road that put me into the ditch. i.e. who knew that cashews had that much fat? Who knew that Cherry Garcia had so many calories? Okay, I actually knew that one. It is the accountability of seeing in writing how bad a chuck hole it can be. It makes it a rare, special item in a calorie-limited plan.

current weight: 217.0

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SparkPoints: (813)
Fitness Minutes: (295)
Posts: 46
9/27/12 5:12 P

That it's super EASY to just ballpark what you've consumed at a meal or snack ("hmm, a handful of chips, probably 1/2 a serving", etc), but in all actuality you may be consuming much more than what you've estimated.

It helps to have yourself as your own accountability if you can't rely on others. I love the Spark application on my Android phone, and plan to use it when I eat at my meals, or snacks.

Another helpful idea: If you can't log your food due to time, take a picture of the food (or better yet the packaging!), and you can modify/change or simply add it to your food intake for the day!

current weight: 259.0

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SparkPoints: (16,000)
Fitness Minutes: (11,990)
Posts: 1,904
9/27/12 1:21 P

I have learned eat to much protein, and it doesn't just come from meats.I don't take in enough calories. It is a work in progress and I am eating allot more heathy. It also reminds me to check my blood sugars and take my insulin it has helped me to adjust it. This is the one tool I needed to secede.

current weight: 172.8

186 173.5 161 148.5

136

Posts: 1,790
9/27/12 1:01 P

How much healthy food I can eat and stay within my calorie range! I also noticed on some days I was not eating enough calories. I love the tracker!

current weight: 125.0

135 132.25 129.5 126.75

124

SparkPoints: (19,138)
Fitness Minutes: (9,324)
Posts: 370
9/27/12 12:36 P

That what I put into the tracker doesn't actually go into my body. I can fudge a bit on the tracker and see a few less calories, but if I ate it, I ate it, and what I track won't change it. So I might as well be honest, even on the bad days. :)

But that also means I don't have to stress myself out finding the perfect entry for every little thing. If I have to use my best guess sometimes, that's okay, too. It's already in my body, no matter what I track.

Pounds lost: 51.0

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SparkPoints: (408)
Fitness Minutes: (245)
Posts: 1
9/27/12 12:25 P

it is a reflection of how I am taking care of myself (or not taking care of myself.)

SparkPoints: (2,740)
Fitness Minutes: (2,052)
Posts: 60
9/27/12 11:55 A

... how much I can be delusioned and rationalize when I am overeating!

current weight: 216.0

285 251.25 217.5 183.75

150

SparkPoints: (19,978)
Fitness Minutes: (2,448)
Posts: 808
9/27/12 11:30 A

What I am learning is that just because I end the day within my calorie goal it doesn't mean I have gotten all the nutrients I need like calcium and fiber. It helps me to make smarter choices about which foods I eat.

current weight: 149.0

172 161.25 150.5 139.75

129

Posts: 22
9/27/12 11:25 A

It helps with not feel terribly guilty after indulging. Instead of thinking I have totally killed my diet after I eat a sweet treat, I can input the nutritional facts and then adjust the rest of the day accordingly. It has also been so helpful in watching my salt intake and also seeing where I need to get more calcium, fiber, and iron.

If I know I am going out to dinner somewhere, I try to put those calories in earlier in the day so I can adjust everything else a bit. So helpful!

Edited by: CANNONAP at: 9/27/2012 (11:25)

current weight: 168.4

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SparkPoints: (196)
Fitness Minutes: (85)
Posts: 11
9/27/12 10:06 A

I have a tendency to ignore my own bad behavior. When I'm having a bad day I don't record anything. I have enjoyed reading everyone else's responses. Total honesty and accountability is the only way.

current weight: 291.0

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Posts: 1,692
9/27/12 9:55 A

It helps me to monitor my calories and salt intake better and is a key to helping me lose weight so far!

current weight: 149.0

167 159.75 152.5 145.25

138

Posts: 105
9/27/12 8:53 A

if I am consistent I see results if I am not consistent I realize I am ignoring myself. Taking the 10 minutes a day to track is well worth the time and is a reflection on my commitment to myself!

Pounds lost: 3.0

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Posts: 9,950
9/27/12 8:46 A

it works every time I use it honestly and correctly

SparkPoints: (45,826)
Fitness Minutes: (20,298)
Posts: 2,520
9/27/12 5:31 A

it takes your head out of the sand

current weight: 155.0

183 168.5 154 139.5

125

SparkPoints: (1,296)
Fitness Minutes: (180)
Posts: 3
9/26/12 10:12 P

wow! First day at it. Tracking is the way to go.I ate healthy today because I knew I would be tracking tonight.

Total SparkPoints: 1,296

	1,000 1,374 1,749 2,124	2,499
SparkPoints Level 5

Posts: 38
9/26/12 6:35 P

Tracking a craving before I give in is more likely to strengthen my resolve - "how many calories! Well blow me to Betsy!"... or words to that effect.

current weight: 350.0

493 439 385 331

277

SparkPoints: (934)
Fitness Minutes: (90)
Posts: 1
9/26/12 5:07 P

It's helping me become more aware of what I eat and how much I eat. Which is helping me get my eating habits on the right track.

Posts: 105
9/26/12 4:05 P

Tracking has greatly increased my awareness! Now I am able to make better decisions

current weight: 137.0

140 138.75 137.5 136.25

135

SparkPoints: (23,200)
Fitness Minutes: (12,014)
Posts: 1,001
9/26/12 3:29 P

It really is necessary for success!!

Pounds lost: 12.5

0 4.25 8.5 12.75

17

SparkPoints: (36,468)
Fitness Minutes: (17,179)
Posts: 2,166
9/26/12 2:30 P

I need to do it several times a day to ensure accuracy.

Pounds lost: 40.0

0 13.75 27.5 41.25

55

Posts: 54
9/26/12 1:51 P

To HOWIEANN & anyone else who doesn't like seeing the evidence of what they are really eating -- I was there too, and know exactly how you feel. However, when I faced the fact that 1) nothing you eat is "bad" but was a "choice" and you'll not change what you really ate by just not tracking it. So I have learned to track every day even though occasionally I don't complete the day but always log in and try. Don't beat yourself up about it (and if you feel too guilty, make sure no one else sees it) and you'll find it is worth it's weight in gold. Often I have seen that I overloaded on carbs and fats but failed to get near enough protein. I'll often make an adjustment to balance the input rather than "starve" & punish myself. This way you stay steady or see progress. Why bother logging at all if you can't face your "not the best" choices in order to improve. Remember, you are doing this for YOU, to be healthier and happier. The weight loss will follow as you learn to make better choices and not fret on what has already been done.

I wish you success and happy tracking!

current weight: 153.0

185 175 165 155

145

Posts: 7
9/26/12 1:45 P

Awareness is a big key for me, and tracking makes me aware of every little bite that goes into my mouth. I've noticed several said that sodium turned out to be a problem, and I had the same experience. I decided on a whim to track sodium and it was a real eye-opener, for sure!

Pounds lost: 13.0

0 18.75 37.5 56.25

75

SparkPoints: (993)
Fitness Minutes: (1,649)
Posts: 2
9/26/12 11:30 A

I have started to track for almost 3 weeks now and i have to admit, it really helps me keep on track and i want to see good numbers. i track ahead of time because i know what im going to eat for lunch and it helps me make a good decesion for what to eat for dinner. i am trying new exercise routines and seeing how many calories i am burning, and that helps me alot! I now love tracking and have downloaded the app and I am hoping it helps me lose the unwanted weight i want to lose.!!

SparkPoints: (15,669)
Fitness Minutes: (7,061)
Posts: 665
9/26/12 9:41 A

Kudos to all you regular trackers. I too tracker regularly and even track ahead of time, check the nutrient levels to see where I am going to go over and under and then adjust. Well, of course life interfers sometimes, but you get the idea.

I also under-estimated my sodium intake and the tracking really opened my eyes. The web site I used to use (ww) takes the attitude that if you eat within their guidelines, you don't need to know each nutrient. I say baloney! I always want to be informed and I am so glad I came to this plan. Thank you SP!

Edited by: GRAMCRACKER46 at: 9/26/2012 (09:41)

19 Days until:  Trip to Alaska

50 37 25 12

0

Posts: 703
9/26/12 8:24 A

I track every day! I think its the most important thing I do to stay on track. I record everything the good the bad and the ugly choices. It keeps me from turning one bad choice into a all day binge! It keeps me realistic about how much I eat.

current weight: 225.0

242 216.5 191 165.5

140

SparkPoints: (36,672)
Fitness Minutes: (51,404)
Posts: 303
9/26/12 5:15 A

I track everyday - I have learned that even semi-tracking - not necessisarilly tracking by weight and ounces but logging everything you eat during the day can be a great assistance in just making sure that you are eating the right foods.

Posts: 23
9/25/12 11:22 P

The biggest thing I have learned about tracking is to do it EVERY day. I recently went out of town and tracked what I ate on paper, but am having a hard time trying to transfer from paper to computer due to time constraints. If I track every day, much better off!

current weight: 390.0

390 355 320 285

250

Posts: 568
9/25/12 10:42 P

I've only been using the trackers for a couple weeks. When I don't eat lunch I eat way too many snacks. I'm not big on lunch, being gluten free and no tasty bread, sandwiches are out. I usually roll up lunch meat and cheese and have some fruit. But have no lunch meat this week. It's so important for me to juice for breakfast and get 5-8 fruit and veg for the day, otherwise I might not get one or two in a day.

May Minutes: 289

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600

SparkPoints: (2,377)
Fitness Minutes: (425)
Posts: 15
9/25/12 9:27 P

I'm having a real eye-opening experience on my sodium intake. I thought I wasn't taking in that much since I don't use the salt-shaker. Turns out I eat too much processed foods (for convenience) and too many CHIPS: my addiction! I eat convenient because I'm alone & can't see "cooking" for one...

Posts: 41
9/25/12 8:44 P

Tracking has taught me many things BUT.. I think my biggest impact was realizing portion sizes! I can eat lots more of some foods but need to be careful and reduce others. Good luck on your journey & meeting your goals.

Pounds lost: 27.0

0 15.75 31.5 47.25

63

SparkPoints: (1,103)
Fitness Minutes: (575)
Posts: 13
9/25/12 6:41 P

I'm being more cautious about what I put into my body! I think before I eat!! Whereas before, I just ate what I wanted and when I wanted it!! I've also found that I've barely been reaching my nutritional goals and some days miss it all together!

I love the Tracker!!! It helps me feel accountable and responsible!!

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 5.75 11.5 17.25

23

Posts: 249
9/25/12 5:09 P

it makes you stop and think about what you are feeding your body.

current weight: 160.0

160 156.25 152.5 148.75

145

Posts: 1
9/25/12 3:46 P

That maybe carbs were a problem, especially with two small kids and not working out a million hours a week anymore. I never could figure out how I worked out all the time an didn't put on much weight, but wasn't a stick either. I ate TONS of carbs and empty calories.

I'm also preaching that little changes help. Having only one slice of bread with my sandwich is easy to do and saves a hundred calories or so, without feeling like I'm missing anything.

I was also VERY surprised that I could feel so satisfied with all of my food, not feel hungry or like I was missing anything and be within my calorie range and lose the weight!

Trying to get back on target though after a summer of no spark and paying the price :)

SparkPoints: (916)
Fitness Minutes: (786)
Posts: 4
9/25/12 2:34 P

The Tracker showed me that I was just eating too much, especially carbohydrate. I decided to use the meal plans suggested so I could (hopefully!) re-educate myself as to the right portion sizes and a reasonable amount of carbohydrate. I'm really enjoying the meals, although they are different from my usual way of eating. After all, my usual way of eating is what made me fat!

SparkPoints: (14,378)
Fitness Minutes: (16,755)
Posts: 349
9/25/12 1:28 P

Using the nutrition tracker has been a real eye-opener for me. Without it I would have never realized that I have actually been undereating on weekdays and have been sorely lacking in calories and protein. Yesterday I met all of my nutrition goals and had far better energy and attitude. Today has been the same, and I also did all my tracking for the day this morning so I could make some additions to make sure I got everything I need. I am hoping that by keeping this up, my stress level will stay lower and I will start seeing some results in my fitness goals.

current weight: -0.6  under

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

Posts: 5,083
9/25/12 11:09 A

I don't like seeing it there on my screen when I mess up.
It's really hard for me to make it a priority and do it consistently.

current weight: 261.0

275 248.75 222.5 196.25

170

Posts: 9,950
9/25/12 10:16 A

flexibility is key--it doesn't matter if I track first thing or two hours after I've begun my day, it's just important that I do it.