Write it Down

Not too long ago, I was extremely cynical about the whole idea of writing down everything that you eat. For one, it seemed so tedious...who has time for that? For two, I think I thought I was calculating it correctly in my head anyway. Boy was I wrong. So I guess I have to swallow my words (or thoughts I guess...I'm not sure I actually voiced my opinion.), because I've been made a believer. I've been using a handy-dandy App called My Fitness Pal ever since the end of December when I started this whole thing to be healthier and run a 1/2 marathon. And I have to admit, as nerdy as it may be, its rather addicting. Besides the fact that it kind of feels like a game, putting in my foods, scanning my food, calculating my calories that I am taking in And the calories that I'm burning... I have learned SO much about serving sizes, how much food I'm actually taking in, what foods are good substitutes (and taste just as good or Better!) but have less calories.... I'm eating a lot less than I used to eat, but I feel more full. I'm not sure how that works exactly. Also, I feel way better because I'm actually eating real food instead of packaged food, fast food, etc... That's not to say I'm not treating myself to things that I like, or that I have any foods that are off limits. Actually... I think that is part of why it feels like my goal is actually attainable this time. It doesn't feel like I am dieting, or like I am holding myself back..I'm not making myself feel guilty about what I eat.. I guess overall I'm trying to change my perspective on food. I love food, I always have..and I love eating it. But somehow I got this crazy complex that food is a bad thing and liking it is a bad thing and I should feel guilty for eating. And I guess I always thought writing EVERYTHING down would make me feel more guilty for what I was eating. But really, it has done just the opposite. It makes me accountable for what I eat...and it helps me to see what I have left so I don't have to worry about it or feel guilty for eating the things I want to eat. So the whole tip about writing things down that all the magazines and articles out there always seem to add in there.... it works. And strangely enough, its been fun. :)