How To Stay Accountable-Write Everything Down

If you aren't keeping a health and fitness journal, it is something you should be doing. When you actually have to write down, or type in an app, what you have eaten, and what your workout was, it changes things. It is like you are telling on yourself. Some smartphone apps let you connect with friends, which is even more intimidating. The biggest challenge you may face is total honesty. If you aren't being honest, there is no point in the journal.

Food journals can be a curse, but they are also a blessing when you actually use them. I prefer myfitnesspal. You can create an account on your PC, or you can download the free app. It has features that allow you to sync other apps to is, for example, Runtastic. This logs your workout for you in real time when your run is complete. Time saver! I encourage you to find your favorite journal, but here is what the myfitnesspal app looks like:

One of the greatest benefits of using an app like this, is when you go to eat in a restaurant, you can't always guess what would be the healthiest option. If you have an app, it takes the guesswork out of it for you, giving you even less of a chance to blow it.

Using a fitness app allows you to set goals, keep track of fat, protein, carb ratios, track calories consumed and burned, and track your workouts. They are very simple to use. You should be able to figure it out on your own. There are even bar code scanners to make it super easy. I become obsessed with my fitness app. It annoys my husband and kids. I like to try to decide what I am going to order before I get to a restaurant so that they don't get annoyed by me using it at the table. I have to remind myself that this is MY journey, not theirs. So just a heads up...be considerate, not annoying.

Whatever app you use, I hope you don't get all caught up in the calories and graphs. The important thing is to eat HEALTHY, not to starve yourself. Never let a food journal keep you from eating. You need the food. Calories are not your enemy. Processed food and no exercise is your enemy. 

One more thing...never forget to cheat! Cheating is what keeps you sane. Always make sure you have your balance in your lifestyle. Your lifestyle has to be one that you can see yourself living with for the rest of your life. Not to say that there won't be modifications, just realize that you are in this for the long haul. Otherwise, what's the point in starting?