Why I’m Tracking My Food Again (And Why You’re Welcome to Join Me)

I haven’t tracked my food properly in years, not since I was deep in my nutrition studies, when it honestly got a bit obsessive. So for a long time, I stepped back. I focused on eating intuitively, listening to my body and moving away from numbers.

But recently, I felt the pull to get curious again.

Not just about calories. But about what’s really happening day to day.

Because even as a nutritionist, I know how easy it is to assume I’m eating “about enough” protein, or that my meals are “probably balanced” when the truth might be very different. The research shows even trained professionals often underestimate or miscalculate their intake.

So for the next two weeks, I’m tracking everything I eat. Not to be perfect. Not to restrict. But to gather information. And I’d love to invite you to join me.

Who this is for:

• If you’ve been eating intuitively but feel a little disconnected from what’s actually happening

• If your energy, cravings, or weight feel off - and you’re not sure why

• If you’ve never tracked before but want to learn more about nutrition and your own patterns

• If you’re done with diet culture but open to honest data

Then this is for you.

Here’s How to Join Me

We’ll be using MyFitnessPal - the free version is totally fine. You’ll log your meals, snacks, drinks, and movement for around 10 days. That’s all.

No “challenge.” No start date. No pressure. Just an invitation to get curious alongside me.

Set Up MyFitnessPal in 5 Steps

1. Create an account

   Download the app or sign up at myfitnesspal.com

   
   

2. Set your calorie and macro targets

   • Calories: 2000

   • Carbohydrates: 30%

   • Protein: 30%

   • Fat: 40%

     (This gives us a balanced template - NOT a strict rule)

     
     

3. Set diary sharing to private or “Friends Only”

   This ensures your data stays confidential unless you choose to share.

   
   

4. Start logging your intake

   Log your meals, snacks, drinks, and even supplements where possible.

   
   

5. Add your typical workouts

   This helps build a more complete picture of your energy demands.

   
   

How to Log Meals in MyFitnessPal

• Tap “Diary”

• Select the relevant meal (e.g., breakfast or lunch)

• Tap “+ Add Food”

• Search for the food (or scan the barcode)

• Adjust the portion size

• Tap the ✓ to log it

Repeat for all components of your meals. Try to include sauces, oils and little extras when you can.

FAQs + Tips

Do I need to track every single day?

Not necessarily. Aim for 7–10 days of “typical” eating. The point is to spot patterns.

What if I don’t know exact quantities?

That’s fine! Use your best estimate e.g., “1 palm of chicken,” “1 tbsp of olive oil.”

Is this about weight loss?

Nope. Not right now. We’re not looking at calorie deficits or weight projections. In fact, ignore the app’s “you’ll weigh X in 5 weeks” messages - they’re not relevant or accurate.

Won’t tracking make me obsessive?

Only if we let it. When used with the right mindset - curiosity, not control - tracking can be an empowering learning tool.

Should I clean up my eating before logging?

No. Please don’t. Log how you actually eat. That’s the most valuable data you can give yourself.

This is a Check-In, Not a Challenge

We’re not trying to be perfect. We’re trying to get honest. With ourselves. With our habits. With what’s working - and what’s not. If you’ve been feeling a little disconnected from your food, your energy, or your goals… this is one of the gentlest ways to check in and get clarity.

If you’d like deeper support beyond tracking - like reviewing your logs, identifying patterns, and understanding your hormones and metabolic health on a more functional level - that’s exactly what we do inside Mind Body Makeover.

Click here to learn more about it.

Otherwise, happy tracking!