Carb Manager: When Did You Stop?

#1

When did you stop using tools like Carb Manager? Did you get off track when you stopped counting carbs and checking macros? It has been 6 months and I still find myself logging everything.

Related, do you count veg carbs? I feel like if I eat a little extra spinach or broccoli, no big deal. But is that way of thinking going to backfire? Today I did not weigh my broccoli (I forgot and the scale is home), but here I am dipping it in guacamole and devouring it.

(I stay under 20 carbs 95% of the time, but once in a while I go over. Net carbs generally are still well under 20.)

(Susan) #2

I have never used it. I don’t understand all that stuff. I don’t have a cell phone either, I am ancient in technology, still have a cassette player and VHS machines, muhahaha.

(Bob M) #3

I never used any counter or used a macro. Going on 6 years.

(Not a cow) #4

Never used a software program, I just logged everything I eat into an excel spreadsheet, and looked up the carbs and other nutrition info and wrote it down. I couldn’t get used to looking up the food in something like Cronometer or fitness pal, as I found it too time consuming.

Now I have about 80 foods that I eat that can be punched in using a code, and it takes me less than a minute to log and calculate a full day’s worth of meals, compare my total to my macro’s or daily requirements. It includes a few recipe’s that I make, which are not too complicated, and I have kept it up for 7 months now.

I also like to pre-plan my meals for the week ahead, which helps me figure out what I need to thaw out and when. I enjoy doing that because it hardly takes me any time :wink:

Oh yes, those 80 foods cover everything that I personally would eat for Keto

#5

Wow!

I do like that you can add your own foods and often-eaten foods on the app. I’m wondering if I am too reliant on it. It would be freeing to step away but would my results suffer. Hmmm…

(Not a cow) #6

I liked using my own foods, which are no longer complicated. When I put in the code let for lettuce, I know it’s going to be Romaine, cause that’s what I buy and eat. No searching for 100 different kinds or how many grams, just Romaine , 2 cups, haha. So simple. I only have to look after myself, so that’s easier and since I was done with eating Diet Doctor recipe’s or Almond flour this and that, it’s freeing.

I know I wouldn’t do as well by not tracking, it helps keeps you in the know , you know ?

(CharleyD) #8

This is a pretty common concern. I think most people who do it religiously will likely question it after a year or so, once it becomes second nature the portion sizes and stuff.

https://www.ketogenicforums.com/search?q=I%20stopped%20logging

I think when you’re at maintenance and have a handle on it, no, it likely won’t hurt to give it up if you have the discipline or good habits built.

If you’re trying to break a stall, it may behoove you to log things at an even finer level to determine if hidden carbs are sneaking in.

I do log in MFP, only because my work’s wellness program gives me points for logging. I kinda like it as I eat OMAD and don’t want to go too far under my calories as I’m close to maintenance.

(Carl Keller) #9

After about six months I stopped logging. It was pretty redundant and I wasn’t worried about carb creep because I don’t eat much dairy or nuts. Eating mostly meat, eggs and a small amount of vegetables is pretty safe.

(Ken) #10

Never logged. Ever.

(Troy) #11

For fun only on MFP🤣
Sorta
OK…I admit

“My Name is Troy and I’m alog-oholic”

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(less is more, more or less) #12

I quit tracking 8-ish months ago. I stayed on track, without missing a beat. Life got much better, too.

On Dr. Westman’s plan you don’t need to do detailed tracking. I tracked anyhow, since I was skeptical of low-carb. 8 months ago, however, I experimentally knew low-carb was legit so I stopped.

Since then, I might open the app to confirm TOTAL carb content by grams (I don’t measure macros) but jeesh, 2 - 3 times a month.

(Parker the crazy crone lady) #13

I tracked using Carb Manager for three months, to get a feel on the carb counts in the foods I normally eat, then stopped. I do have to remind myself to not freely add “just a few more” veggies or whatever, as those carbs can quickly add up, but I don’t obsess. I’m still losing, being down 13 pounds with maybe 30 to 40 to go.

(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :)) #14

I’m constantly using it. There are a few days when I don’t log (like if I’m at a wedding and have no idea what the macros of the catered meal are). But, because of my cancer I’m seriously tracking everything. In a year or two I may stop tracking as much, but only track glucose and ketones.

If its not a hassle and not causing drama then either track or not as it makes you happy.

(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #15

I used paper and a little purse notebook in the beginning along with a store bought book with the carb/fat/protein count of basics (veg, meat, nuts, dairy) along with reading the labels. Eventually I memorized things and now do it in my head. I tried an app but it stressed me out because it was more difficult than just writing it down.

(traci simpson) #16

I try and use the FatSecret App. It stresses me out to have to track, but at least I can see if I’m in the ballpark with the carbs and fats. If I don’t weight the meat I find that I have to guess the weight which is difficult. I just try to make sure my protein like steak is like the size of my palm or slightly bigger. 10oz steaks I tend to cut in half. I just wish I could see pictures of what the PROPER amount of protein is and how much or what kinds of fats other than butter, cheese to put on my protein or in my carbs.

#17

Congratulations. That’s great.

The idea of not tracking is freeing, but I also can see it being slippery to accidentally taking in more carbs than I might otherwise because I very much enjoy salads, broccoli, and avocado.

#18

Good point.

And sending you thoughts for strength.

(JJ) #19

I am a tracker. Not yet as high level a tracker as Troy, but I am on my way :wink:

If I am being totally wild I will go ahead and eat for the day, perhaps jotting down some weights of things if I don’t think I will remember later and then logging it all retrospectively - once the eating is all done.
Much like you, Kage, I wonder when I will stop. I am about to enter my 8th month of tracking. I reached goal within the first 4-5months. I am concerned it is a slippery slope and I have done so well tracking that I am reluctant to just wing it and stop counting and weighing. If it aint broke…?