Monday, February 23, 2009

Tracking Calories

I have noticed a tread in my eating that I am trying to change. So I have decided to log my meals at SparkPeople.com. I tried to copy the picture of my screen so far today, but it is rather blurry and small. But at least maybe you can get the idea, if you have never used SparkPeople, of how it is set up.

The top of this picture should say "Breakfast". I had a smoothie (pictures later tonight) that had a ton of ingredients, so that is why there are so many things under breakfast. Additionally, it allows you to add meals, so I added a morning snack, because I try to eat smaller meals every 3 hours, instead of 3 large meals.

Okay on to that tread. First, I am a crazy emotional eater. I've been stressed about some things lately (the major item being work security, because we were put on notice that there will be associate layoffs, possibly by the end of March). Secondly, I tend to eat not enough some days, and then too much to the point that I feel ill other days. I'm hoping that by logging my meals, I can maybe avoid emotional eating and eat around the same amount of calories daily. Finally, I am scheduled to run in two 1/2 marathons (one in March and one in May) so I want to know that I'm fueling correctly for those races.

If you have never visited SparkPeople, I would highly recommend stopping over there. Even if you don't need or want to track your calories, it has great articles and wonderful recipes.

9 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Good luck with it, Aimee!!

Unknown said...

Good luck, I decided today to try combatting my stress/emotional eating too! Hope we are successful and so sorry about your job stress!

Olga said...

I know a lot of people who used that website and it's helpful. I'm also an emotional eater and am always struggling with it. Good luck!

A Toronto girl out West said...

Hang in there Aimee! I know it's a tough time.

I have a lot of friends (primarily those in corporate law) who are seriously stressed for the same reasons.

I'll be sending happy, job-security thoughts your way! :o)

Rose said...

Sorry you're going through rough times - hope they get better!

Is Sparkpeople free? I use Calorie King, but it costs $60/year.

Anonymous said...

GOOD LUCK WITH IT AMES! I used SP all last year, but in an unhealthy way. :/ I hope it doesn't turn out that way for you too.

HangryPants said...

Good luck with work and everything and I hope logging your meals will help you get through the rough eating patch.

Meghan said...

Hey,
Thanks for this link! It is soo cool. I already put my info in. I just ran my first half marathon yesterday! Good Luck :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the review of Spark People! Like Rose, I use CalorieKing and am wondering if this might be a better option. I totally hear you on emotional eating. Good luck!!