There's no 'wrong' way to log

As nutrition coaches, we get asked about best practices a lot. Specifically, in regards to the how’s/why’s/when’s of logging food.

What is the best way to log our food?

Is it best to log our food in the mornings or the evenings?

Is it best to write down our food on paper and then log it in the app?

Unpopular opinion: there is no cut and dry ‘best’ method that works across the board for everyone and that’s because each person has their own unique set of circumstances. When momma says that you are special and there’s nobody else like you in the whole wide world, she is right! We all have different preferences, lifestyles, responsibilities and commitments. Thus, what works for me might not work for you and vice versa. However, here are some things to consider when you are planning your day:

Most people are wildly more successful when they log their food BEFORE they eat it. Once that food has made its way into your belly, there is no ‘undo’ button.

Generally speaking, logging your whole day in advance allows you to enjoy more cohesive meals compared to logging food throughout the day as you eat. I mean, unless you enjoy a good challenge and dig the macro tetris game of having 12g of protein, 24g fat, and 18 carbs left remaining at 6pm... Enjoy your random dinner of cottage cheese, 14 tortilla chips, and 8 almonds (Bon Appetit!)

Work smarter, not harder. If you have an algorithm that works for you, don’t force yourself to reinvent the wheel everyday. Maybe that means rotating between two simple breakfasts and/or taking the same snacks/lunch to work until you learn more about what is in other foods. In time, you’ll discover that the string cheese can be substituted for avocado, or that rice bowls & sandwiches can be personalized to hit your specific macro targets, but give yourself permission to take it slow and learn as you go.

According to scientists, the average person makes around 35,000 decisions per day! Ever heard of decision fatigue? Yup, it’s a real thing. Researchers have proved that the more decisions you make throughout the course of the day, the more difficult it becomes to continue making rational decisions because of mental overload. So with that in mind, we can conclude that it doesn’t just feel like you have more willpower in the mornings… You actually do. Use it to your advantage by making a plan for the day when your brain is fresh. Then, there’s less decisions to be made later because you’ll already know what you are eating when meal times roll around.

No matter how or when you choose to do it, you can bet that if you are logging your food honestly, you are on the right track. Chat with your coach about strategies to optimize your specific routines, habits and preferences.