Tracking macros / counting calories

We are talking about the same thing here and if you want to read more about calories, kilojoules and macros go through this article then come back.

When it comes to tracking, we are talking about weighing and measuring your food. Using a kitchen scale whenever possible and realistic for homemade meals (no, don’t take it out with you). If you are going to estimate your portions, you might be better served going with a food journal option.

Fortitude Nutrition Coaching - common tracking mistakes.jpg

There are many options for tracking, a range of apps and spreadsheets.

We have our own Google sheets spreadsheet called the FNC Diet Builder and have also created a guide for using MyFitnessPal as an alternative.

Here is a breakdown of both:

MyFitnessPal (MFP)

  • App on your phone

  • Barcode scanner option for entering packaged foods

Disadvantages of MyFitnessPal are:

  • Huge list of food entries

  • Huge amount of incorrect data

  • Gamifies tracking rather than encouraging healthy behaviours

  • Exercise and activity trackers can be linked which changes targets and causes confusion

 FNC Diet Builder

  • Google Spreadsheet

  • Accurate data and food entries

  • More educational

  • Easier to see habits reflected in numbers

Disadvantages of MyFitnessPal are:

  • Best results are when using computer

  • Google Drive app is possible but doesn’t compare with the ease of MFP

Even if you are sure you will use MFP, we would encourage you to use the FNC Diet Builder at least to set up your calorie and macronutrient targets. There is no issue with using both.

Step 1: Fill out the waiver below and we will send you the FNC Diet Builder within 24 hours. Being a Google Form, the Diet Builder seems to work best (although not exclusively) with Gmail accounts.

Step 2: Access (and bookmark) the guides for the FNC Diet Builder and MFP