Why You Should Track Your Food.....

So there are numerous reasons that we all should track what we eat, weather it be because we want to lose weight, maintain weight, or the few out in the world that exist that want to or may need to gain weight. But lets face it, none of us are friends with people like that.....

So the girl who does my nails went to high school with me and we both go to the same church so I have known her for a long time. I have always been heavy and struggled with my weight. She is tall, thin, blonde and beautiful. Her sister though is heavy, and God Bless Kelly (my nail girl) because she is great support. Every time she see's me she comments on how great I look. So while I was there today, she asked what I was doing to lose the weight which is a common question. She said she had been wanting to ask me but had been nervous about it. I said that I am very open about my weight loss and where I had come from.

So reasons to log our food:

1. Helps reduce mindless eating. How many times have you gone and grabbed the bag of chips curled up on the couch and started watching your t.v. show and munching......next thing you know the show is over and so is the bag of chips.....and you have just consumed 1000's of empty calories! Or keep track of how many soda's you drink? When we eat mindlessly we consume twice as many calories.
                Instead we should take a small bowl remove a serving of chips, put the bag back and then eat your chips. Or if you are craving salty, then have some peanuts and then you get some protein too!

2. Helps you know how many calories you have left after each meal.

3. Helps you pin point habits.

4. Gives you confidence that you can do this!

I honestly think that logging my food has been the reason for my weight loss. Keeping a tally in your head or guessing on how much you eat doesn't work.....I have tried it. I know that there are those out there that disagree, or want the easy way out. Losing weight isn't easy and if you are an emotional eater, then you have to deal with the reasons that you do it. I no longer turn to food for comfort. Yes, I eat what I want....but I don't eat a whole bag of chips, or cookies and I don't eat junk food EVERY day....it's a treat once in a while. These foods are still in my house because I do have kids and I don't want to deny them a treat either. So I have learned how to not eat these foods. This works for me, I know it may not be for everyone!