So…
What IS It That You Learn From Tracking?
The above study doesn’t mean that tracking your calories is for naught but temporary reductions on the scale.
As I mentioned, many clients who spend time tracking choose to no longer do so and have success with weight loss management. And it’s probably due to what you learn through the process of tracking:
1.) You become more aware of your tendencies, your habits, both good and bad.
2.) You acknowledge triggers that lead to favorable and unfavorable choices.
3.) You are exposed to a larger array of food sources and ingredients that you may have overlooked in the past.
4.) You start preparing more of your meals at home.
5.) You begin to incorporate more protein sources.
6.) You consume more fruits and vegetables, and thus, more fiber.
7.) You begin to eat out less.
8.) You gravitate towards the more nutrient dense options on the menu when you do eat out.
So on and so forth.
You create a structure and system that isn’t predicated on the act of tracking; it can fit into that system, but it isn’t itself, the system.