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Jessica C • Mar 26, 2022

5 Reasons Why Tracking Your Meals Gets You Faster Results

If you’re looking to either lose or gain weight, tracking your meals will be one of the most important things. If you’re tracking your meals, you can see what and how much you’re eating. This makes it easier to make adjustments to reach your goals faster. Some people might think that meal tracking is a lot of work. Why do they bother? Because the results are worth it! Here’s a look at five reasons why tracking your meals can bring faster results and what apps you can use to start tracking your meals.

1. Keep track of overconsuming or eating too little

tracking your meals
Underestimating the number of calories is common

The average person underestimates how many calories they consume each day. In my experience, I’ve seen both extremes. I’ve seen people consuming only a few calories, from 1,000 to 1,300 calories. But, on the other hand, I’ve also seen the opposite. We often don’t know how many calories we’re eating each day until we take a second to track and see how we’re doing.

You can easily skip breakfast and lunch to enjoy a restaurant meal. Your thoughts might be, “well, I didn’t eat all day, I can afford a 3-course meal”. Next thing you know, you have eaten over your calories. Many find it hard to see results even when they’re eating once a day because they often go over their calories.

2. Control your food portions

If you’re trying to lose weight, tracking your meals will help you be more mindful of what and how much you’re eating. It can be easy to consume more than we need throughout the day. But when we take the time to track our meals, we’re more likely to be aware of these things and make changes accordingly.

A well-balanced meal

Say, for example, that you are trying to lose weight and have been tracking your meals. Yet you find that your portions have been larger than usual, causing you to exceed your daily calorie budget. In this case, you would know that you need to cut back on your portions to lose weight. This will allow you to become much more aware of your food intake.

On the other hand, if you’re trying to gain weight, tracking your meals will help you ensure that you’re eating enough. It will be easier to see what foods give you the most calories. For example, if you want to gain weight, you might incorporate healthy fats like olive oils and nut butter. Without tracking your meals, you would not have this knowledge.

3. Incorporate healthier foods

Incorporate more whole foods

When you’re tracking your meals, you’ll be able to see where you can make adjustments to create a healthier diet. For example, you might notice that you’re eating many processed foods. This would be an excellent time to incorporate more whole foods. If you make room for healthier options such as whole foods, you will have fewer calories available for processed foods. You don’t necessarily need to eliminate these foods but think about ways to incorporate healthier options.

You might also notice that you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals. In this case, you could start taking supplements or add more nutrient-rich foods to your diet. For example, working with clients in my coaching program , I have found that many have difficulties eating enough Fiber. Keep in mind that the total dietary fiber intake should be 25 to 30 grams a day. Most people don’t realize that they consume anywhere from 8 to 12 grams of fiber a day. Once they start tracking their meals, they can see if they are deficient in these vitamins or minerals.

4. Manage mindless snaking

Meal tracking also helps prevent mindless snacking and overeating. When you have to record everything you eat, you are more aware of your food choices and how much you’re consuming. This can help prevent overeating and make it easier to stick to your goals. In addition, it will make you think twice about eating two twinkies.

Avoid mindless snacking

The goal is not to eliminate our favorite foods. Instead, we want to become more aware of the foods we’re putting in our bodies. When we track our meals, it will also serve as a diary. We can discover deficiencies, food habits, emotional eating, and food sensitivities.

5. Become more aware of your food choices

Develop food awareness

By tracking your meals, you’ll likely see results faster than if you don’t track them. Why? Because you’ll be more aware of what you’re eating and how it affects your body. You can make changes to your diet as needed and see how those changes affect your weight, energy levels, mood, etc.

Meal tracking can seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you’re serious about reaching your goals. For example, let’s say that you need to consume 1,700 calories to lose weight. This amount will put you in a calorie deficit, allowing you to reach your goal. If you’re tracking your meals, you will be able to stick to this number and make modifications to fit in your favorite foods.

What if you’re not interested in tracking your meals?

What happens if you decide you do not want to track your meals? You can still see results; it will just take a little longer. You will not be as in tune with what you’re eating and how much you should be eating. You may find yourself overeating or undereating without even realizing it. You’ll most likely eliminate your favorite foods just to eat fewer calories.

Not tracking can lead to overeating or undereating

People who cut out their favorite foods, like chocolate or pizza, end up overindulging in a moment of weakness. They get to a point where they can’t continue on this strict diet. If you were to track your calories, you would not have to deal with feelings of deprivation. Instead, you can fit in all your favorite foods in moderation. This is why tracking your meals is so important if you want to reach your goals in a timely manner!

Tools available for tracking

Tracking your meals can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many different ways to do it, from using an app on your phone to keeping a physical journal. Find what works best for you and stick with it. Some apps that are great for track meals are:

There are a variety of tools available for tracking your meals

-MyFitnessPal

-Loseit

-Fitbit

-Cronometer

There are many other great apps out there, so find one that you like and stick with it!

Need extra help with your goals?

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you want to track your meals to get the best results but are still unsure where to start. With my 1:1 Coaching , you are guaranteed to get results; you’ll learn how to track your meals, make better food choices, and have someone to support and encourage you.

Let me help you start your journey!

In conclusion, tracking your meals is one of the best ways to see results quickly. It helps you become more aware of what you’re eating and how it affects your body. You won’t have to guess if you’re eating too much or too little. Once you start tracking, you’ll be surprised at how much you will learn about your eating habits. Give it a try!

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Jess Chambers

NASM-CNC, BCS, CPT

@Lifthealthybyjess

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Hey there! Want daily inspiration, nutrition tips, and fitness motivation? Follow Lift Healthy by Jess on Instagram for delicious recipes, workout ideas, and success stories from clients who love all things health. Join our community for expert guidance and a daily dose of wellness goodness. Let's crush those goals together!

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