Three weeks ago, I discovered an app that has substantially changed the way that I view food and eating. Eating used to be something that caused me stress and shame, but after using this app, I have regained control and healthy eating is something that I look forward to. MyFitnessPal is that app. (#NotSponsored)
By simply tracking the calories that I eat, I have been able to begin to work towards a more healthy lifestyle and make more intentional choices when it comes to eating. I have been able to explore and find healthy options that are yummy, but also nutritious.
I hope that if you view food the same way I used to, this might be helpful for you to learn more about. Healthy food can be enjoyable and good for you, but sometimes it takes an extra push to get you there.
Here’s why I found this app particularly useful.
How I Use MyFitnessPal
My main goal for using MyFitnessPal is to begin to eat healthier, be more aware of the choices that I’m making, and lose some weight. I have been using MyFitnessPal for almost five weeks. Anything that I eat or drink (excluding water) gets imputed into the app. You can scan any bar code and it will automatically input the nutrition facts into the app. All you have to do is determine the serving size! You can also search for foods or input a recipe that you find online.
The app allows you to set goals for yourself in regards to how many calories you want to eat and how much fat, sugar, etc. you want to intake. MyFitnessPal will notify you when you are getting close to your calorie, carb, sugar and fat limit. It also congratulates you when you eat food that is high in protein or vitamins! How’s that for some positive reinforcement?!
Why I Love It
Eating out is a Breeze.
The menus from most food chains are available on MyFitnessPal. All you have to do is search for the restaurant or the food that you are eating and it will show you a list of options, as well as list the nutrition facts for that item. I can’t tell you how many times I have sat in front of the menu and used MyFitnessPal to decide what to eat!
Eating More Intentionally
When I first started using MyFitnessPal, I hated using it because I knew that I had to log everything I ate, even if it was a Gotta Have It ice cream from Coldstone. But, over time, I saw gradual decrease in my calories, as I became more aware about what I was eating. I was able to plan my “cheats” ahead of time so that I could plan the rest of my meals that day accordingly! For example, if I knew that I was going to get ice cream in the afternoon with my friends, I would plan to eat a smaller, healthier lunch, so that I could stay near or within my calorie range for the day.
Becoming More Aware of Serving Sizes
Because everything you enter into the app is based on the serving size, you have to pay extra attention to the nutrition facts and labels on everything that you eat. I have used my measuring cups more in the past few weeks than I have in my entire life! This has been eye-opening because the serving sizes that we are used to are not usually what is listed on the nutrition facts. Although we all wish that a serving of Ben and Jerry’s is the whole pint!
Bonus Tip: Chewing gum is your BFF.
This is super random, but if you are trying to lose weight or even just reduce your sugar and fat intake, try chewing a piece of minty gum when the cravings hit! The minty taste will distract you from thinking about the sugar and salt that you were craving and the chewing motion will hopefully satiate your desire to chew.
Everyone has something that works for them and maybe for you it’s not this app! Maybe it’s keeping a journal of what you’re eating. Or maybe it’s only keeping healthy food in the house so you’re not tempted. Or maybe it’s by slowly starting to cut out certain junk food like soda. Whatever it is, the key is to find something that you love. Find something that works for you and stick to it! A healthy lifestyle is all about a positive mindset and determination. You got this, girl!
Have you ever used MyFitnessPal or something similar? What’s been your experience with it?