So, hopefully, you’ve been trying out the MyFitnessPal app. If you’re like most, you’re using it to track what you’ve eaten after the fact. It’s a great practice to record your choices to get a good picture. I’d like for you to think about tracking in a different direction. Instead of looking back, try looking forward with the same diligence. I call it meal planning. Try it out one day. Make a plan of what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks either the day before or early that morning. Enter your choices into the app and stick with the plan.
Why do this? It’ll help you think through your day ahead of time. If you’re going to a restaurant for lunch, check the online menu before you visit the establishment. Many restaurants post nutritional information online. You’ll make better decisions if you’re planning. You’re not as susceptible to impulse decisions when you’ve already decided what you’re going to eat before you arrive. Plan your snacks this way. Think about it before snack time and you’re headed to the vending machine to make your purchase. With planned snacks, you can purchase ahead of time and bring with you.
Planning your meals helps you stay within the guidelines of any healthier eating food plan you adopt. You’ll achieve better results with deliberate planning.
