When you start your food tracking journey, there are a few things that you will need to understand in order to be successful. I’m going to spell them out for you here because, as a food coach, I want to make sure I am setting you up for success.
First, you will want an understanding of HOW to measure your food. Grams? Ounces? Tablespoons? Are these things you often measure? If not, I recommend buying a food scale off of Amazon for under $20 and start teaching yourself how much things actually weigh. It will definitely be a useful tool that will help keep your tracking accurate. Second, find an app that you enjoy using that is easy too. I have used My Fitness Pal for years. Why do I love it? It’s free, accurate, and can sync to a lot of other health apps as well, such as my app, STRONGirls Inc. My advice: whichever app you choose, make sure you hold yourself accountable to using it for a few weeks in order to make it a habit.
Third, the fewer ingredients a meal has, the easier it is to track. It is one of the reasons that I always have my eye open for simple recipes that have simple ingredients. Keep this in mind.
Fourth, you don’t need to be perfect in order to see trends and get results. However, the more accurate and honest you are - the faster you will see results.
Fifth, do not obsess over this. Always thinking about these numbers can lead to a form of disordered eating- and that is NOT the goal. My goal is to teach you how to eat the best macronutrients, and how much of them, which will lead to informed intuitive eating.
Interested in learning more about Food Tracking and Food Coaching? Email me at carolyn@strongirl.ca. I look forward to hearing from you!
Carolyn, Food Coach, Personal Training Specialist