For the first time ever, I have been counting calories. It is a tedious process, but somebody's gotta do it....which is why I have the Fitness Pal app to figure out the calculations for me.
Because this is the first health conscious app I have ever used, I can't exactly give a reliable app review. Instead, I will give you a captain's log of the excruciating though helpful experiences I've dealt with as a first-time dieter.
How Fitness Pal Works
As soon as you have created an account on Fitness Pal, you are asked to enter your BMI and your weight loss goal. Once you have entered your personal information, Fitness Pal will allot a range of calories in which you are allowed to consume each day.
Fitness Pal functions a lot like a digital food journal. You enter in what you ate, and the specific quantity of those particular food items. Fortunately, Fitness Pal grants you with extra calories based upon its internal pedometer or any additional exercises you may login.
June - Month 1
For as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed a brisk walk outside. Having walked, jogged or hiked regularly for nearly ten years, I have always felt more productive, fit and happy afterwards. Now that I had started using Fitness Pal, however, I became a tad bit more of a 'step' nazi.
For better or worse, I made excuses all the time to make extra trips to throw out the trash. I woke up insanely early to work out so that I could beat the 114 degree weather. "Steps! Steps! Steps!" became my obsessive motto.
I did manage to lose a few pounds the first half the month, however, I would eventually gain back those pounds as soon as I went on vacation towards the end of June. Calories don't count on vacation, do they?
July - Month 2
Perhaps I've always been a bit more competitive than I give myself credit for. In this particular instance, I learned how to become competitive with myself and continuously exceed myself.
Counting calories for the first time was disheartening. I was appalled with how many calories most of my favorite meals possessed. However, I wasn't going to allow that to discourage me. Through discipline, I managed to shred off the several pounds I gained during vacation.
Unfortunately my birthday was coming up....of all birthdays, it was to be my 30th. Therefore, I had a weekend vacation planned in order to celebrate. I would once again, gain back the weight I had diligently lost. Calories don't count on birthdays, do they?
August - Month 3
Five days into August, and I'm doing 'alright.' I have not reached my goal, however, I don't weigh nearly as much as I had when I first began on June 1st.
The funny thing about Fitness App is that the more I log in, the more I think about dieting. And the more I think about dieting, the more I think about food and how much I want it.
I need a distraction. I've had to learn the hard way that Pinterest is the worst form of 'distraction' for dieters. This is where you can contribute dear bloggers. Let me know what is new with you and what interesting projects you are working on.
Have you tried any fitness-related apps? How have they worked for you?
