Can Monitoring Calories In and Calories Burned Help?

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When the frequency of self-monitoring diet or exercise was measured in self-weighing studies, there was significant difference in weight loss results of those who weighed daily to the outcomes of those self-weighing less often. Research suggests self-monitoring of dietary changes is not only useful in tracking weight loss progress but may be crucial for achieving your long-term weight management goals. Online support also can help to ensure personal accountability.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition posted a study that shows those who consumed an energy-reduced diet kept the lost weight off for two years, in stark contrast, those who consumed a calorie-controlled diet regained the weight. By making it easier to compare food intake and exercise results, electronics make it easier to track your progress, adjust your goals and remain motivated in the journey towards sustained weight loss and lasting results.

Benefits of Daily Tracking of Food and Exercise

Requiring yourself to track results after years of self-monitoring nothing at all can be tricky at first. Logging meals and physical activities one at a time forces you to follow your plan. Listed below are four benefits of tracking your food, weight and daily exercise:

1) Understand What You Are Eating – Self-monitoring helps you better understand what you are eating and why. Since you have to record it every day, you will naturally be more mindful of consuming what your body needs.

2) Helps Prevent Overindulgence – Breaking the habit of overindulging at mealtime or when you snack requires focus. Being dedicated to self-monitoring makes it easier to check in with your body’s hunger cues.

3) Tracks Your Fitness Progress – Researchers suggest that tracking your physical activities can inspire you to be more active and makes it easier to add to your daily exercise routine, which translates to better weight control.

4) Allows You to Plan Ahead – Self-monitoring doesn’t have to be logging information after the fact. You can record meals and snacks ahead of time to see how the food aligns with your weight loss goals.

Learn Self-Monitoring Skills at Metabolic Research Center

The science behind successful weight loss suggests that self-monitoring of weight, dietary intake and physical activity is key for severely overweight adults to lose weight and keep the lost weight off for the long-term. Despite the previous concerns that daily self-monitoring of weight loss variables could have negative consequences, recent studies suggest there are no statistically significant detrimental effects of self-weighing to promote self-regulation. Weight loss specialists can provide the education needed for individuals to better understand the importance of day-to-day fluctuations by helping them focus on specific trends in the patterns of weight change.

At Metabolic Research Center, we understand that self-monitoring and self-regulation are important components and can be key to successful, long-term weight loss success. Visit MRC today to learn more about our personalized plans.