Tracking Calories: An Overwhelming task?
When it comes to losing weight, being in a negative energy balance is crucial. This means that you are consuming fewer calories than you are burning. But, how can you tell if you are in a negative energy balance? The answer is simple: track calories.
Tracking your calories can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you have never done it before. However, it is an essential habit to build if you want to see results. It's important to track not only the calories from your primary meals but also the calories from the snacks you consume throughout the day.
Many people underestimate the number of calories they consume from snacks. They might think that because it's "just a snack," it doesn't count. But the truth is, those calories can add up quickly and hinder your progress towards your weight loss goals.
Here is our challenge to you, before you put any food/snacks in your mouth, you have to record it in the app.
Why Tracking Calories Matters?
Tracking calories, even if you aren’t 100% accurate and consistent with what you track, can help you stay on the path towards losing weight.
Would you ever embark on a road trip to a destination you’ve never been to without plugging the address into your navigation tool? Of course not. You need to have a direction to drive in, otherwise, you risk not making it to your destination.
Here’s the thing: your GPS is not going to be 100% accurate, but at least it’s giving you some guidance. Using a GPS in this scenario is better than not using one at all.
The same is true of tracking calories. You aren’t going to be 100% accurate and consistent with it, but tracking calories is better than not tracking at all.
Not Tracking Has Cost You
Not tracking calories from snacks could have cost you in the past. It could have delayed your progress towards your goal. Don’t continue to let that happen.
To get started, you can use a food tracking app (i.e. MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, Lifesum, etc.) or simply write down what you eat throughout the day. This will help you become more aware of the number of calories you consume and allow you to make healthier choices.
Remember, just because you start tracking your calories doesn’t mean that you will always have to. However, in the beginning of your journey, it's crucial to track calories if you want to see results.
If you need help figuring this out, schedule a consultation with one of our coaches to learn more about working with us at Pare & Prune. We can help you develop a personalized plan to achieve your weight loss goals.
Start tracking your calories from snacks (and meals) today and see how it can make a difference in your weight loss journey!