How do you keep track of your diet/exercise?
#1
Disgruntled grad student
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 443
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How do you keep track of your diet/exercise?
I am finding that unless I make an active effort to document exactly what I eat/how I exercise, I can't keep motivated. Right now I use My Calorie Counter which is free for the most basic stuff. It doesn't really let you customize anything, but by being creative I have had some success keep tabs on what I do.
- Do any of you guys use something similar?
- How do you keep track of your activity and diet?
- How do you keep motivated?
__________________
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 667
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have recently discovered sparkspage. That is a very complete and free site
I was using Fit Day.
I was using Fit Day.
__________________
A Journey to Lose 170 -now 151 Pounds and a Place for Those Like Me
A Journey to Lose 170 -now 151 Pounds and a Place for Those Like Me
#3
Genetics have failed me
I'm signed up for weight watchers and I'm using their flex point system to track my food and exercise intake daily.
The weight watchers sign up was more as a supportive role for my wife but since I'm paying some good dough for it, I use it now 100% and it actually worked sofar as I'm 10lbs down since I started 5 weeks ago.
The weight watchers sign up was more as a supportive role for my wife but since I'm paying some good dough for it, I use it now 100% and it actually worked sofar as I'm 10lbs down since I started 5 weeks ago.
#4
Third World Layabout
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 3,136
Bikes: Cannondale F900 and Tandem
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
22 Posts
I just get on the scales every day and see which direction I am going. If it is going up, eat less, excercise more, if going down, eat more (and maybe excercise less) - if it is staying the same, it just depends which direction I really want to go in - or if I am happy where I am.
I am not going to count calories for the rest of my life, but this seems to require little thought on my part.
I am not going to count calories for the rest of my life, but this seems to require little thought on my part.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dodge Center, MN
Posts: 820
Bikes: Trek Pilot 1.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's the tough one. For me it's variety, which is odd because I'm routine guy in daily life. But in order to keep thing new and exiting, which keeps me motivate, I keep changing things. I try to find new routes to bike, or new hills to climb. If I need a break from cycling, I hike or jog and swim. As for diet, I mix that up to. I keep searching for different foods that I can eat and different recipies to make stuff. If I don't do this, I will lose interest and fail. My kick right now is eating white nectarines, last month was salads, next month will be something else.
Last edited by Caincando1; 07-24-07 at 10:54 AM.
#6
Newbie - Clydesdale
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 20
Bikes: Electra Townie, Giant Cypress DX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I started a fitness program a few months ago that involves nutrician and exercise. One thing that has been proven to help with success is keeping track of eating and exercise. I use a journal called Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry S Lodge, MD. It is sturdy, a good size, and is made to hold one year's worth of info. I got it from Amazon.com and I believe it was <$15. There are many availlable but I like this one. BTW I have lost 81 lbs in 4 months AND taken up bike riding!! My motivation is two wore out knees and the desire to be able to do things I want to do when I retire in a few years!
kwhman
kwhman
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 129
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am finding that unless I make an active effort to document exactly what I eat/how I exercise, I can't keep motivated. Right now I use My Calorie Counter which is free for the most basic stuff. It doesn't really let you customize anything, but by being creative I have had some success keep tabs on what I do.
- Do any of you guys use something similar?
- How do you keep track of your activity and diet?
- How do you keep motivated?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 264
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I only mark down total exercise on a calendar in my living room. I get embarrassed if I have too many days without anything marked on them.
#9
Disgruntled grad student
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 443
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sparkspeople is pretty cool! I like it much better.
Keep the replies coming! It is encouraging and interesting to hear what all you do for monitoring our health!
Keep the replies coming! It is encouraging and interesting to hear what all you do for monitoring our health!
__________________
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
Last edited by beingtxstate; 07-24-07 at 12:32 PM.
#11
Big Meanie Head
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 92
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 667
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
sparkspeople bodybuilders.com and this forum. You guys motivate me.
__________________
A Journey to Lose 170 -now 151 Pounds and a Place for Those Like Me
A Journey to Lose 170 -now 151 Pounds and a Place for Those Like Me
#13
Weekend Warrior
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Vermont
Posts: 102
Bikes: 06 K2 Mach 2.0 (105 Grouppo), 04 Something Rambler Hardtail (Deore/Deore XT), 03 Nirve DSX-1 (Suntour/Deore/Deore LX)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sparkpeople for weight, rarely food (when I am not sure how well I am doing.. i usually do a day every other week, or random audits if you will.. i try to naturally keep it within my SP recommended range though).
MapMyRide for runs/biking.
267 -> 235 so far.
As for motivation -- for me it was a dislike of my body. Everyday I workout and eat right I feel amazingly better about myself and the progress i've made. Superficial, but it keeps me going. (That, and my family has a history of high blood pressure/etc.. so I figure I should get my weight under control young.. its easier now than later).
MapMyRide for runs/biking.
267 -> 235 so far.
As for motivation -- for me it was a dislike of my body. Everyday I workout and eat right I feel amazingly better about myself and the progress i've made. Superficial, but it keeps me going. (That, and my family has a history of high blood pressure/etc.. so I figure I should get my weight under control young.. its easier now than later).
Last edited by VTRoadie; 07-24-07 at 12:41 PM.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NE Central Iowa
Posts: 74
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For the diet, I don't really record anything. I look at food labels before I eat anything new. I mentally keep tabs on what foods I'll allow myself to eat and what I won't. I usually just look at carbs, protein and the fats. For instance, it's easier for me to just remember "Eggo Waffle with peanut butter" for breakfast than "XX grams of carbs, at least XX grams of protein, and no more than XX grams of fat."
For exercise, my employer is starting a wellness program which gives monetary rewards in the form of gift certificates to local fitness-related businesses. You accrue points by logging any exercise, and participating in health screens and health related seminars. So that forces me to keep a good record of my monthly activity. And since we're coming up towards the end of the year as far as the program is concerned (Aug 31), I'm finding myself busting my butt to work out more so that I can get to the next reward level and get a nicer bike.
For exercise, my employer is starting a wellness program which gives monetary rewards in the form of gift certificates to local fitness-related businesses. You accrue points by logging any exercise, and participating in health screens and health related seminars. So that forces me to keep a good record of my monthly activity. And since we're coming up towards the end of the year as far as the program is concerned (Aug 31), I'm finding myself busting my butt to work out more so that I can get to the next reward level and get a nicer bike.
#16
Back after a long absence
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Bay Area CA
Posts: 603
Bikes: 1974 Schwinn Speedster 3-speed, Raleigh Super Course
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
i've been using activebody.com for a while now. the fact that it was originally set-up for three sport (triathlon) training made it even better. it doesn't have any specific place for tracking diet, but does include a section for body info (measurements, body fat%, weight) and gives some nice graphing/calendar options. plus it's free and i'm pretty sure the guy who runs it is a BF member.
as for the motivation, the forums (even like now when i can't ride because my bikes are in storage pending a move) and a scale with body fat measurement
as for the motivation, the forums (even like now when i can't ride because my bikes are in storage pending a move) and a scale with body fat measurement
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern Ontario
Posts: 461
Bikes: 2007 Raleigh Venture 4.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use fitday.com for food, an online spreadsheet for rides, and my kitchen calendar for everything else.
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: La Verne CA
Posts: 5,049
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
7 Posts
I use the carmichael training diary.. They are good and can be found for cheap on ebay.. Much better than the original price of 14.00... Lots of entry pages and good info to keep track of.. For my calorie counting, I just use a datebook and add up each day.. Keeping track of the daily calories is so important for weight loss..
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160091666219
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160091666219
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Posts: 18
Bikes: specialized hardrock, dyno vfr
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
bikejournal.com for logging my rides. and as far as food i am eatting the same breakfast and lunch everyday (total after lunch is only 500-600 calories) then if i go on a ride i'll have a powerbar before, come home and have dinner but keep the portions down. if i get hungry during the day i'll eat some fruit. seems to be working so far since i can stick to the same breakfast and lunch.
i used to go out and get a burger, fries, and coke almost everyday or hit a buffet for lunch.
i used to go out and get a burger, fries, and coke almost everyday or hit a buffet for lunch.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Bloomington, IN
Posts: 388
Bikes: Trek 2.3 w/ full SRAM Red; Surly LHT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#24
Still Learning
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 171
Bikes: Trek 4500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I signed up for the sparkpeople.com too it is what I have been looking for meals with a shopping list and easy recipes.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For exercise, my employer is starting a wellness program which gives monetary rewards in the form of gift certificates to local fitness-related businesses. You accrue points by logging any exercise, and participating in health screens and health related seminars. So that forces me to keep a good record of my monthly activity. And since we're coming up towards the end of the year as far as the program is concerned (Aug 31), I'm finding myself busting my butt to work out more so that I can get to the next reward level and get a nicer bike.