At Wallace Fitness Center, we’re a 24-hour gym located in Delmont, Pennsylvania, offering small group training, personal training, and strategic health partnerships. One of the most important factors in making progress at the gym is what you do outside the gym—and that includes your nutrition.
Fortunately, with smartphone apps like MyFitnessPal, it’s easier than ever to track your food intake so you can optimize your health and fitness outcomes. I’ve created a video that walks you through exactly how to use MyFitnessPal to lose weight—and it’s been one of the most popular and helpful resources I’ve produced to date. You’ll find the link to the video below, but here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind as you watch:
Key Concepts for Using MyFitnessPal Effectively
1. Consistency beats perfection.
You won’t always track your calories perfectly—and that’s okay. Tracking imperfectly is still far more effective than not tracking at all. The goal is to build awareness and stay consistent over time.
2. Measure your food when possible.
A serving of peanut butter is probably less than you think. The same goes for cereal, steak, and most calorie-dense foods. In the beginning, it’s extremely helpful to use a food scale and measuring tools to train your eye. That way, when you’re eating out or away from home, your estimates will be much more accurate.
3. Prioritize protein and fiber.
Both protein and fiber are highly satiating, which means they help you feel full for longer. Feeling fuller throughout the day makes it much easier to stick to a calorie deficit without feeling deprived.
4. Eat a minimally processed diet.
Yes, you can lose weight on a calorie deficit regardless of food quality—but we still recommend a base of minimally processed whole foods: lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods not only support weight loss but also provide the micronutrients your body needs to function optimally.
5. Food first—supplements to fill in the gaps.
Once you’ve tracked your food consistently for a while, you’ll start to notice gaps in your nutrition. Most of these can be addressed with better food choices. But when that’s not enough, supplements can be helpful. The goal is to build a strong dietary foundation and use supplements only when necessary.
These are the fundamentals to focus on when using MyFitnessPal to support weight loss. If you’re interested in pairing your nutrition tracking with small group or personal training, and you’re located in the Delmont area, fill out the contact form below. We’ll reach out within 24 hours to help you get started.
