You downloaded MyFitnessPal. You said you were going to start tracking what you eat. Maybe you even logged a meal or two. But then you forgot. Or you thought you’d just do it later, but later never arrived.
You are not alone. Sure, there’s a growing number of people who track consistently and reap the benefits: more mindful eating habits, “A-ha!” moments about the foods they struggle with most, feeling empowered to take control of health goals, motivation to workout. But there are more people out there—people like you and me, who sometimes have trouble getting started.
Whether your goal is to run a 10k, have the energy to play with your kids, make better food choices, or bring down your blood pressure, tracking can be the fuel that powers that engine. So how can you really get started, in earnest, and set yourself up to incorporate the habit for the long-term? Here’s what has worked for me, and countless others.
1. Get ClearWhy do you want to track in the first place? Did your doctor tell you to do it? Your trainer? Perhaps you have a friend who experienced an “A-ha!” moment using a digital food diary or exercise log. Or maybe your “Why” goes even deeper?
While a majority of trackers say they started logging to lose weight, it’s surprising how few do so for vanity’s sake. Compared to those who simply wanted to slim down, 6 times as many MyFitnessPal members said they started using the app because they want to live longer, and 3 times as many were motivated by the desire to be more active with their children.
Having a clear intention and objective in mind will give you the motivation it takes to create a powerful tracking habit.
2. Get Equipped跟踪涉及一本小纸手册和记事本的日子已经消失了 - 谢谢！但是，有时通过最新的数字记录技术提高速度可能会感到不知所措。显然，我们喜欢一个名为MyFitnessPal的小应用程序，该应用程序设计为用户友好，并为您完成所有繁重的工作。
Simply, download the app and sign up! That part is key—you can download all the health apps in the world, but if you don’t actually register for an account and get started you won’t see any results. Then, set a goal. Take your clear intention (from Step #1, above) and turn it into a measurable goal with a timeline, by inputting it directly into the app.
从那里开始，这都是入境问题。While there’s no easier way to track meals and snacks than using our food database, you might want to use any of a number of compatible apps to track your exercise—whether you run, walk, or Zumba your way fit, there’s a perfect workout partner app for you. Download it and synch up!
3.提醒Adding a layer of accountability can help you stay on track. Set up reminders within the app, and consider connecting with friends on MyFitnessPal. You can help each other stay motivated, synch your workouts, and log meals together!
4.获取例程如果您说以后会这样做，那么您可能会忘记所有关于伐木的事情。但是，如果您建立了“此后，我这样做”的情况，并与您一直在做的其他事情进行链接跟踪，您将开始通过协会记住任务。以我为例：早上刷牙后，我花了5分钟时间在整天的食物，用餐和小吃中提前跟踪食物。还有两种适合MyFitnessPal粉丝的选择：“从午餐回到桌子后，我将跟踪所有食用的东西”和“在做晚餐后，我会跟踪我的饭菜。”
5.抽水请记住，创建跟踪习惯始于婴儿步骤。您的目标是不追踪1000天。取而代之的是，从跟踪您吃的下一件东西的目标开始。你可以做到，对吗？当您这样做时，庆祝至少12秒。然后设定一个目标，以跟踪您吃的下一件东西，以及下一步。然后设定一个目标，以跟踪明天您吃的一切。并庆祝这一胜利。这样做几周了，迷你毒品的时刻将加起来您真的可以陶醉！
What helps you stay on top of tracking? Share your tips below!
