Thought it would be interesting and educational to start a thread on all things regarding food logs. Share your thoughts, experiences, questions, successes, failures, news, research, favorite apps, frustrations, benefits, opinions, favorite features, ideas for improving apps and tips for getting the most from your food log.

I believe that food logs are the most powerful tool we have for achieving The Prime Directive - lifestyle changes. What do you think?

Neither did I. Never noticed it. The deeper we go, the more riches we discover!

Neither did I. Never noticed it. The deeper we go' date=' the more riches we discover![/quote']

I really only noticed it because it was such a large jump in protein amount. I had already taken in 111g for the day and my goal is 104, but noticed it said 133 for my goal. After cursing MFP for screwing up, I had the idea about adding my exercise as it was the only new addition to my logging and sure enough it jumped my protein amounts.

I really only noticed it because it was such a large jump in protein amount. I had already taken in 111g for the day and my goal is 104' date=' but noticed it said 133 for my goal. After cursing MFP for screwing up, I had the idea about adding my exercise as it was the only new addition to my logging and sure enough it jumped my protein amounts.[/quote']

When you add exercise it increases your calories allowed/goal. Since the protein grams are set as a percentage of the total calories the grams required will increase as well.

That makes perfect sense. I have never heard of another app that has that level of sophistication. I know the only other one that I've actually used did not. Anyone using another app that does the same thing or something similar?

Not me. I used sparkpeople for a while but honestly it was too much information and didn't meet ny easy and fast requirements.

Day 2 of 3 meals, 2 snacks. 78 grams protein and 750 calories. Im happy with ny protein, fat and carb ratio and 45 minutes cardio. Good day!

I love the Spark People app. It allows me to log my food and exercise and I can see at a glance where I'm at with calories, fat, carbs and protein.

I love the Spark People app. It allows me to log my food and exercise and I can see at a glance where I'm at with calories' date=' fat, carbs and protein.[/quote']

My mom loves it too. I think it is a great app it just didn't meet my simplistic needs but if you want a ton of info ir is definitly a great tool. I keep my account active because of the info

So Wednesday I had a business lunch and a social dinner. And on top of that, I was just plain hungry. All day. I gained a pound and a half in one day. So yesterday I backed off to my normal 1600 calorie goal. Weight this morning - 153.6. I love logging! Control, not denial. You guys have a great day!!

So Wednesday I had a business lunch and a social dinner. And on top of that' date=' I was just plain hungry. All day. I gained a pound and a half in one day. So yesterday I backed off to my normal 1600 calorie goal. Weight this morning - 153.6. I love logging! Control, not denial. You guys have a great day!![/quote']

Do you think it takes several months of logging in order to have immediate cause/effect like you had.

I have increased my protein and activity this week, decreased my calories. I have not seen any movement on the scale.

I think it's more likely that individual results depend on a whole shopping list of variables. For example, I think it's easier for men to lose weight, lose it more quickly, and see changes in weight more quickly in response to diet, than it is for women. I know you are also doing weight training - you're very likely reducing fat stores but increasing muscle volume. And of course muscle weighs more than fat.

Now compare that to my situation. My activity level is fairly constant. No weight training. Average calorie intake closely monitored. Average calorie expenditure comparatively constant. I'm two plus decades older than you are. And I'm a guy. So the number of variables likely to affect my weight, up or down, are considerably fewer than they are for you.

I know you are actually below your original goal weight and trying to lose a little more. That would point to the strong possibility that you're running up against your set-point. As recently as 2009-2010, set-points were considered by many to be theoretical. That has changed in the last few years with more and more research yielding strong evidence that set-points are very real. The human body is (unfortunately) much more receptive to weight gain than it is to weight loss. When we had to hunt and gather to survive, obesity was not an issue. Starvation was. So our bodies evolved defenses to protect against starvation. Your body will literally fight to maintain the set-point that it's at. Set-point ranges are usually about 10% of your total body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, each set-point range is about 15 lbs. If you're at the top of your current range, losing a few lbs is relatively easy. On the other hand, if you're at or near the bottom of your current range, your body will defend the set-point by reducing your metabolism, slowing your heart rate, etc. Making it considerably more difficult to lose even modest amounts of weight.

Sorry, probably a lot more information than you wanted. To answer your question directly, I think the more experience you have logging, the better you become at interpreting the information in your log and identifying how changes in carbs/fat/protein/exercise/water will translate into weight changes.

I always enjoy reading your posts and exchanging ideas with you music! Have a great day!!

My fiber intake is just a tiny percentile of what is recommended on MFP. Do you know if I should be modifying my goals? I am guessing it is pretty common for RNY folks to be under the fiber goal,at least for first few months... Am I correct?

My fiber intake is just a tiny percentile of what is recommended on MFP. Do you know if I should be modifying my goals? I am guessing it is pretty common for RNY folks to be under the fiber goal' date='at least for first few months... Am I correct?[/quote']

I CANNOT get my fiber where it needs to be....to be near calories and protein there no room for more fiber :/. Hence my post RNY chronic constipation issue. And fiber is sooooo good for you....::sigh::

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 199

My fiber intake is just a tiny percentile of what is recommended on MFP. Do you know if I should be modifying my goals? I am guessing it is pretty common for RNY folks to be under the fiber goal' date='at least for first few months... Am I correct?[/quote']

Try some colace once a day/stool softner my dr reccomends it

Try some colace once a day/stool softner my dr reccomends it

Lol, I take 2 colace a day, plus miralax 2-3 times a week, plus occasional MOM....

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 199