Making it count

bod.

Losing weight is hard work, but not losing weight stinks.

I decided to start my journey to healthy (or healthier) living in February. Since then, I have maintained a seven pound weight loss.

When I was starting out, my friend suggested using MyFitnessPal. I did, and it has made a huge difference in my weight loss this time around. I like it so much that I wanted to share it with you all. 

MyFitnessPal allows you to track your caloric and water intake as well as your fitness. When you sign up (which is free by the way), you provide information about yourself including age, height, weight, weight loss goal, etc. Based on your weight loss goal, the application gives you your recommended daily calorie intake that will allow you to reach your goal in a safe and healthy manner.

Once you are signed up, you are ready to start tracking your daily food consumption and exercise.

You can track your caloric and fitness information using the website and/or the smartphone app (free). I use the application on-the-go and the website when I am at the office. Your account updates automatically.

The benefit of tracking your exercise along with your calories is that the system automatically deducts the calories you burn from your daily calories intake. You don't have to do the math. You can easily see how many calories you have remaining for that day.

As you see fit, you can check-in your weight. Your weight is tracked on a nifty little bar, so you can visually see your progress. In addition, there are community blogs with helpful tips, a news feed to compare your progress with your friends, and even reports that you can run on your weight, fitness, and nutrition.

Using the application to track my diet and exercise has forced me to make every decision count. I know whether I can splurge on that Dove chocolate or not by simply looking at how many calories I have left for the day. Also, the news feed (subconsciously) keeps me accountable for my actions.

Check out www.myfitnesspal.com.