Reflections and Observations: A 24 hour Dietary Recall with MyfitnessPal

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I have utilized MyFitnessPal for approximately three years. At this point in my nutrition journey, I use the caloric intake monitoring app less frequently. The program allows me to “check in” occasionally to make sure I am following my dietary plan appropriately and getting enough nutrients. MyfitnessPal has several unique features that make the tracking of daily intake more convenient. The scan feature on the mobile app is amazing! Many of the foods that I eat are already in the program. You can just scan the item and all of the data is calculated for you! There is also a feature where you can add your own ingredients in order to create recipes. The profile section of the app allows the user to individualize the program for age and activity level appropriate weigh loss plans
("Lose weight with," 2014).

As with any weight loss assistance tool, there are some draw backs. When a user enters information, the data is saved and can be used by other users by a search for the food product or ingredient. One must be careful to choose the products and or food items that are “confirmed.” With that being said, I am careful to choose the most appropriate food in the list in order to make my documentation of the foods I eat accurate. This helps me not only to see what nutrients I may be lacking in any particular day, or week, but it also helps me to make good choices and stay on track. For example, if I feel bad about a particular food item being documented on my app, it is probably not the right food to be eating. It certainly makes you think twice. Studies have shown that documenting food intake helps people to stay on track and lose weight, as well as keep it off.

On Tuesday Januray 14th, 2014 I used the MyfitnessPal app to document...

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...and almonds for a snack. As for calcium I consume unsweetened almond milk, mango salsa, raw spinach, and chia seeds. Many of the foods rich in protein also have calcium. I have learned over the years that there are plenty of nutritious and delicious choices for a diet rich in protein and calcium, even without meat and dairy.

References

Fahey, T. D., Insel, P. M., & Roth, W. T. (2009). Fit and Well: Core Concepts and Labs in Physical Fitness and Wellness (9th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Hoeger, W. K., & Hoeger, S. A. (2008). Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson-Wadsworth.

Lanou, A. (2009). Should dairy be recommended as part of a healthy vegetarian diet? Counterpoint. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(5S), 1638S-1642.

Lose weight with myfitnesspal. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

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