One of the best ways to reach or maintain your goals in keeping fit is to track your food. So many have heard this and still have skepticism. They say things like …
“Does it make THAT much of a difference if I write my food in tack?”
“I already know what meals I in a day. I don’t need to write them down.”
“Ugh. That’s annoying. I already have to workout. Now I have food homework?!”
For all the skeptics out there, think of it this way… if you wanted to be better with money, what would you do first? Track it. If you want to improve any skill what would you do? Track it! There are tons of scientific reasons why tracking food is such a great way to get to your fitness goals. But let’s save that for another day. For today, let’s focus on the fact that it can be easy to avoid food tracking simply because it seems overwhelming or too much work.
The good news is food tracking doesn’t have to be complicated. But, not every food tracker is made for everyone. Check out these 3 ways to track your food so you can decide which one is right for you.
A lined notebook:
This is great for someone who is interested in just jotting foods down quickly without the constraints of following a particular format. This is also great for journaling. This is great for the person who doesn’t need that much structure and wants to take out their tracker intermittently throughout the day. Let’s be honest, this is also great for those parents out there who have left over school supplies laying around after that Back To School sale.
How to use: Write down the date, food intake, water intake, and possibly even journal about your cravings or how each food is making you feel.
A food tracker website or app:
There are tons of food tracker apps to choose from. This is great for those who are either tech savvy or just don’t like the idea of carrying an extra book around. Sparkpeople.com is a free food tracking website that includes access to articles on health, weight loss, and maintaining a fit lifestyle. This is also great for people who like to do research on different techniques to live their best life.
How to use:
Find a website or app like Sparkpeople.com and sign up for an account. When you eat something be sure to whip out your phone and log it in for the day (along with your water and drink intake.)
A Food journal
A food journal is great for those who want to reach their goals in super speed and wants the most insight on their food habits. This is for the person who likes to be organized and wants to look at their eating habits from a very objective standpoint. This is a great option for the person who wants to be able to gain the most insight on not only how food affects them, but how time limitations lead to food choices.
How to use:
Search for the food journal that feels right for you. Follow the prompts and journaling questions if there are any. Schedule reflection time for some of the thought provoking questions if necessary.
Want to see which food tracker is best for you?
Connect with your coach at Forever Fit Method and get a recommendation based on your lifestyle, goals, and desires. We will help find the best food tracker for you!