Quick and Easy Food Tracking Tools

When it comes to making changes to your diet* (meaning what and how you eat, not restriction) I have philosophy!
"You have to know where you have been, in order to know where you are going!"
I remember when my husband and I sat down and worked through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover together. We came to the part of the book where we had to record where and what we were spending our paychecks on each month. My jaw was on the floor when the reality of our spending habits were in black and white! The same can also be true for what you eat and drink every day. I mean, I know I don't often sit down and take stock of every morsel that has entered my mouth. But then, I wonder, gee I've been packing on a few extra pounds lately - I wonder why!
Enter - food journaling!
If you want to pin point the areas that need improvement you should start with keeping track of your current habits.
Yep, you read that right! The first thing you should do is NOT change a single thing about your diet!
In fact, you should just eat as you always do!
First, you'll want to find a tracker or a journal that works best with your style and that you will be sure to keep up with! I'm going to share a few of my favorite with you here!

Digital Options:
My Fitness Pal
While there are lots of options out there I have used and like My Fitness Pal!
I like this option because not only do they have a full website that you can access from your desktop computer but a handy app as well! There is a barcode scanner and a recipe creator so that you can accurately track and calculate full nutritional info! Because MFP is so widely used there is also a huge database full of items from restaurant menus!
Check out this great article by Feel Great in 8!
8 Tips For Making the Most Out of My Fitness Pal

Fit Bit
If you have and use a Fit Bit and it's accompanying app they have also added a food log component! It also has a barcode scanner and a custom entry feature for quickly adding items!

You can also check out this FAB post by Bustle for more app ideas that will help you when making food choices!
8 Healthy Eating Apps to Download Now

Pen and Paper Style:
Here are a few cute printable options!

Weekly Food Journal by A Sunshiny Day

Weekly Health Log by My Muslim Life 

Printable Daily Journal by Our Sole Intent

Once you have picked your favorite method of tracking get ready to record! Remember to write down everything you eat OR drink! 

The few Doritos you snagged from your little one's plate and that energy drink you guzzled count too!!! Those things especially count because they can often be the culprits sabotaging an otherwise healthy diet! EVEN if the nutrition label reads zero - mark it down! 

Then, get ready to come back and find out what to do after you have been tracking and how to interpret that information!! 

Until Then....

MCP Project 52: Week 12 "Just for Fun" and a CD Purchase

Lots of thoughts this evening.

I took my photo for this week.

It's definitely not the most creative or artistic photo that I have ever taken.

But, it serves its purpose.

See, the theme was "Just for Fun".

But, this week was sorta mundane.

I am still struggling with the working out and eating right thing.

Shocker, I know!

The weather is much nicer--so, I would like to start running.

But, I haven't!

So, my picture was a subliminal message and feeble attempt to convince myself that running can be F-U-N!

Can you see it?!?

Can you see the message?

Sneaky eh?

For real though...I'm going to get it together...you just wait and see!

I'm about to go buy something awesome!

A friend of mine raved about it on FB (Kierra if you're reading-you rock!)

I previewed all the songs on iTunes and it sounds amazing!

She sings from her soul (or at least she makes you think she is!)

The album is reminiscent of olden days and I think that is so very RAD!

What are you guys listening to these days??

I also seem to be on a Texas Country kick!

If you want to know exactly what that is lemme know!

:-)

Until Then.....

Why Should I?!?

I need to keep these thoughts at the forefront.

Here is something you may or may not know about me.
If someone tells me to do something...I do the opposite.
If everyone else is doing something.....I'm prolly not.
If I something is "frowned upon"....I like it.

Getting a picture here?!?

Limiting my intake of food and drink in order to be the healthiest person I can be...because I should....is no different.
I like food, I REALLY like indulgent food and drink. I (apparently) have a lil bit of a relationship with food.
If you were to make a pie chart about me and food it would look something like this:
Jess wants to be healthy, fit, and thin- 5%
Jess wants to be happy with her body no matter what it looks like-10%
Jess wants to eat the same thing as her husband and other people around her and still be skinny-40%
Jess thinks soul food, desserts and adult beverages are very awesome-45%

It looks like this, because, I am unwilling (or something of the sort) to make the extreme commitment, put in the work, or posses the will power to do anything substantial about it.

I make small efforts, but they usually don't get far. In 2008 I lost about 20 pounds...but have since gained it all back. For my height I am considered slightly over weight.

So, in another attempt to get things back on track I need to keep track of the reasons I need to this and hope that it will turn into a want.

Notes to self:
You'll feel better in your clothes.
Your acid reflux will go away.
You'll feel confident in a bathing suit.
Running makes you happy.
You'll have more energy.
You might sleep better.

I know there are more things I want to add...but you know how that goes...stage fright, if you will....so as I think of them I will have a place to put them.

Until Then....

I'm not a Caveman

This is not a failure-just a readjustment. Turns out, the no carb, no sugar diet is NOT for me. Today was day 6...I have GAINED two pounds since beginning the diet. I am not a caveman-I need carbs!!!



Source


You know, I have read all the books and magazine articles. I have taken all the pills and snake oils. I know about this junk, so, I know that there could be tons of reasons for gaining rather than losing.

Here is the bottom line. I just want to be healthy, happy, and at an appropriate body weight. The stress of this diet; worrying about following the plan strictly enough, feeling hungry-then over eating a food that I thought was allowed (Confession: I have consumed nearly an entire jar of peanut butter in about four days!) is causing me to gain weight rather than lose it!

So, here is the new plan.

I am going to eat all things IN MODERATION!

I am NOT going to binge on ANYTHING!

I am going to continue to drink water and tea and ZERO soda (no diet or regular).

I am going to keep intense sugary treats at bay...no cupcakes, ice cream, cake, etc. except on special occasions!

I am going to continue to cook at home every day of the week except Saturday.
I am going to eat when I am hungry and stay out of the kitchen when I'm not!

I am going to keep fried foods (including french fries) at a MINIMUM.

I am going to get back to yoga, running, and walking everyday.

There you have it folks. That is my new plan. No expert advice. No book. No strict plan to follow. Should be interesting right?!? At the very least, a TON less stressful!!! I might not lose 30 pounds but I will definitely maintain a healthy weight and have fun doing it!!!

I will continue to use books and sites like Cook This Not That, Carb-Lovers Diet, and Taste of Home.

Welp, I'll be sure an keep you updated on how this works for me!!

Until Then...

On the Table~Day 3

Woo Hoo! 3 Days down-27 to go! I'm going to keep it simple for you guys tonight.

Breakfast:

Old Tasty Faithful

PB and Celery (at least I ate something!!)

Lunch:

Yummy Steak and Black Bean Salad from Chipotle!

PS-I didn't have cheese on my salad but I DID have a small scoop of tasty guac!

Dinner:

Another Cook This Not That recipe!

Stuffed Chicken: Red Pepper, Spinach, Prosciutto, and Pine Nuts

**Recipe Available online!

Snack:

Photo Found Here

Cinnamon Dusted Banana

Truth is, the banana was a splurge...but I figure it wasn't the worst choice i could have made! Tmrw is going to be exciting! Cheat Day!!!!!

Happy Weekend Lovies!

Until Then.....

On the Table~Day 2

Phew! there were just a couple tiny moments today where I was feelin the weakness! :-/

But, thanks to my WONDERFUL hubster...I made it through the day successfully!

Here is what ended up on our table today.

Breakfast:

Brunch Scramble from Taste of Home.

The recipe was fine. I substituted in a few egg whites for the real thing. The real problem was that I'm not/nor have I ever been a breakfast gal. I just can't eat in the morning! But, staying true to my plan I needed to eat within the first hour of being awake...So, I tossed it down and went on with the day.

Lunch/Dinner

Thai Lettuce Wraps from Cook This, Not That!

These were true to form! SOOOO GOOD!! I didn't even THINK of a tortilla while I was eating these! The steak was perfectly cooked (thanks in part by me but also thanks to the great cooking guide) and the sirachi sauce was freakin amazing!!! Bummer though, this recipe isn't online. Womp Womp!

Around bed time I started to hit a major wall. I wanted to eat again..which, I could because I only ate twice. So, I had some carrots and radishes...appetizing huh?!? LOL!

Nothin doin...I broke down and had some peanut butter with celery. I don't think I was supposed to eat the PB but it totally hit the spot! My mood lifted and I felt full even though I didn't eat alot! YAY!
I think I was experiencing a lil sugar with-draw...I mean what did I expect?!? I just gave up soda, carbs, and powdered donuts COLD TURKEY! YOINKS!

But, I made it! So, five claps and a snap for me!

MCP Week 9: Express Yourself & Measurements

Did you like how I tried to be sneaky and hide the fact that this is the post that I will be unveiling my starting weight and measurements?!? So sneaky right?!?

Well I like to get the yucky over with so I'll deal with that first!

Starting weight: 134.2 lbs.
Starting Measurements: (these are a rough estimate...it's pretty tough to take your own!)

Chest- 39.5 inches

Waist- 33 inches

Hips- 36.5 inches

Biceps- Left and Right are approx. 10 in (doesn't that sound tiny?!? I think I may have to get hubs to help me with this one!)

Thighs- Left and Right are both approx. 21 inches

Calves- Both approx. 12.5 inches

Wow, that wasn't so bad. Maybe it's because I'm not sure how my numbers compare to the rest of female population! But, does it really matter?!? I will be happy when I look how I want to look. Not when I look just like someone else!
Phew, glad that's over with!

On to the good stuff. The theme for week 9's photo is Express Yourself. If you are like me - as soon as you read that you started hearing Madonna's voice in your head!

I decided to shoot a pic of something I hope to use to express myself a little each day - for the next 5 years! WOW!

My One Line a Day Journal came in the mail on Tuesday. Convenient, being that it was March 1st! There is a designated space to write a couple of lines each day, every day, for the next five years. I think it will be so neat to be able to look back and see how I was feeling on this exact day next year or a few years from now!

Today I recorded my measurements! Ought to be pretty eye opening! 

Look out for my On the Table post tonight. I had to force breakfast down my throat. Not because it tasted bad - I'm just not a breakfast person! :-/

On The Table~Day 1

Cue the oh-so handsome George Straight's voice singing

"What's going on in your world?"

"I hope your doing fine"

Been a little while huh folks?!? No excuses here...the writing just didn't happen this week. But, I have found my way back and I have plenty to share.

Let's see.
So, I came up with this plan...it's called time to go on the hot and sexy bikini diet. I mean spring is most nearly upon us and followed by that summer and that can only mean one thing (or two or three or more things):

Tank Tops

Shorts

Swimming

Bathing Suits!!

All of which will expose my winter layers - that were necessary to combat this insane cold that exists in the "nawth". Let's face it people - I'm not ready for all that! I mean, I AM ready for warm weather! But, I'm NOT sure my shape is ready for skimpier clothes!!!

So, with all of the good intentions that I have, I planned to start my bikini diet on March 1. Woops! It was a busy day!

Welcome to March 2 - the bikini diet has officially kicked off with this evenings dinner choice! YAY!

Here is what was on my table tonight:

Honey Mustard Salmon with Parmesan Roasted Asparagus!

The most pleasant thing about this meal-- it was TASTY!

The second most pleasant thing about this meal-- it was GOOD for me!

The third most pleasant thing about this meal-- it was EASY!

The fourth most pleasant thing about this meal-- mine looked just as good as THEIRS!

The fifth most pleasant thing about this meal-- OK I'm out of pleasant things!

But, it really was so awesome! I got the recipe from the "Cook This, Not That" book! Insert good news here!!! You don't have to shell out money for the book to get this recipe! A few of the books more famous dishes (including this one) can be found by following the link above!

I also threw out alllll the temptations lurking in my cupboard! Thank goodness the neighbor boy was around and likes mini powdered donuts! I may have shed a tear if I'd had to toss them in the can!

Some of you may be asking "What diet are you following?" or "What are you choosing to eat and not eat?" Give a round of applause for:

I have decided to go with a meal plan that I read about in "The Four Hour Body".

It's basically a zero carb/minuscule sugars diet.

So you get the gist.

All the meat, veggies, eggs, and beans a gal can handle!!!

Plus, one cheat day a week! How awesome is that?!?

I have already decided to commit to the diet for the next 30 days. At that point I will measure my progress and reassess. I'm actually pretty excited about it! I feel like this will really push the envelope when it comes to learning to be more creative in the kitchen!

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

And...terror of all terrors. Tomorrow I am going to take my measurements! (scary enough right ladies?!?)

But I have to take it up a notch....I'm going to post them....here....for you and all the world to see.

I have got to up the accountability big time! (also a suggestion from the 4HB)

Yoinks!

No worries though, I am going to do it and I am going to be proud of whatever those numbers are!

Anyone with me?!? Well you don't have to post your numbers silly!! But, how many of you are gearing up for summer in your own way?!? What kind of diet and exercise plans are you trying?!? I couldn't resist doing SOMETHING when that Victoria's Secret Swimsuit Catalogue arrived!

Until Then....

What's on My Menu

It's that time of day again peeps. Time to confess! Haha! So far, for me it hasn't felt like I'm owning up to a sin or anything. But, one thing did happen today that doesn't often happen! Subconscious or not?!? Your guess is as good as mine!

I ate three meals!! Haha! How crazy?!?

For breakfast I had a mini whole wheat bagel with full fledged cream cheese and a 4 pack of powdered donuts. Lots of white...is that bad?!? 

Lunch consisted of left over half a pork chop and cheesy taters with honey mustard.

And for dinner, well, that pic looks a bit sparse huh?!? I am still getting used to remembering to take the pics so I kinda forgot until I was nearly finished!!! I forgot to put something out to thaw so hubster and I had Chinese Take Out! We share what they call the "three case item"! They load that to go box up so tight! Hubster HATES mushrooms so I get a small carton of steamed rice and he gives me all the mushrooms and carrots from his meal. I'm not a fan of the meat there...seems suspect if ya know what I mean! I also had a fried shrimp egg roll!

OOOh yea! I may or may not have had some spinach dip after hubs fell asleep and this had already been posted. ;-)

On to tha dranks!

I had part of a Dr. Thunder (a frugal woman's Dr. Pepper) early this A.M. See, I have a rule and this is what it is: I only drink one soda per day AND because I only indulge once in awhile I just buy the cheap stuff because it tastes pretty much the same and costs WAY less!!!

Unsweetened Tea with dinner and LOTS of water before bed!!!

What do you guys think about my current diet?!?
Do you have crazy eating habits?!?
What is your favorite indulgence???

Until then.....

Experimental Eating

As most of you know I am working on/tyring to read 100 books in one year. Well, I recently started reading The Four Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss. Who doesn't like short cuts in life?!? In his book Tim (yep, we're on a first name basis haha) talks about a "Flash Diet" where subjects were asked to take pictures of all their meals or snacks prior to eating. Research concludes that photographs are more effective than written food diaries and more convenient to boot! It allowed participants to consider their choices before the damage was done.
It is suggested that you up the ante by posting the photos in a public place!
I mean really...if you know someone is going to see it you probably won't eat that entire bag of chips while watching TV or decide to indulge in that second can of soda!!

At the end of the chapter the reader is encouraged to ask some questions of themselves and take action. Tim challenges you to participate in at least 2 of his 5 suggestions for cutting fat without changing what you eat. One of the choices just happened to be....yep, you guessed it! Photographing your food!!! So, here I am giving it my all! He recommends doing the experiment for 3-5 days but I am going to aim for 2 weeks!!!!!

YIKES!!!

Enough jabbering... here is what I ate today!

Breakfast: 4 Powdered Donuts, Dinner: Pan Fried Pork Chops, cheesy taters, & broccoli, Desert: 3/4 of a Strawberry Cupcake (I shared a lil with hubster!) 

And, for good measure, I have decided to photograph what I drink as well. After all you can drink your calories!!

Water all day and Honey Brown with dinner

 There it is. The ugly truth. I would get a good "talkin to" from any nutritionist. I pretty much operate on the principle "Eat when you are hungry and don't eat when your not!". For as long as I can remember I have never gone wild over breakfast. I hardly ever feel hungry in the A.M.!!! I know! Really bad huh?!? To add to all that...I rarely eat 3 (or however many they are recommending these days) square meals a day. If I'm not hungry I might skip one and then make up for it by eating double later!!! Feel free to lecture me! But, really, that is the purpose of this little experiment. I'm going to see if I can guilt trick encourage myself to make better choices for my health!

There you have it guys!
Anyone else wanna play???
What are your thoughts on my little experiment?!?

Until Then....