The Importance of Tracking

Research has shown that people who track what they eat - that is journal in some way what they eat each day - are more successful at weight loss long term.  Writing down or entering into your smartphone, laptop, whatever, forces you to be more accountable about what you eat.  Even if no one else looks at it, when you have to take the time to think about what you've eaten, you can't lie to yourself about what you've eaten. 

I have done this for years. I've done it for weight maintenance, but also just because it's fascinating to me to see how many calories, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that I eat each day.  It has helped me hone my diet such that for many years, I ate nearly the same amount of calories each day without even thinking about it.  If you're trying to modify your diet to lose weight or become healthier, I urge you to try this practice at least for a week.

For Valentine's Day, my sweetheart gave me two special gifts: a pint of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream and a Fitbit Flex.  I wanted a Fitbit for Christmas, but it didn't make it under the tree, so I was thrilled when I opened the box and found this fun gadget.  There are lots of free ways to track your activity and food (I used this one for years), but this is a great little toy. 

I've just started using the Fitbit, but am enjoying checking to see how many steps I've taken and how my sleep was - although I already know when it's restless by the size of the bags under my eyes!  I'll share later how this tool works out for me.  So far, I think it overestimates steps.

Do you use a tool for tracking activity and/or food?  If so, which one?  If you have a Fitbit Flex, I'd love to hear your review!  Be healthy!