To Track Or Not To Track Your Food and The Decision No One Talks About...

A big part of getting results no one talks about is deciding.

Not just deciding that you’re going to do the workouts.
Not just deciding that you’ll “be good” with food.

But deciding that this process is going to be meaningful for you.

Deciding what you actually want to get out of it.

So often we jump straight into action, the plan, the tracking, the workouts, without ever slowing down to ask a deeper question:

How do I want to feel in my body?

This goes far beyond goals like losing a certain number of pounds. Because two people can lose the same amount of weight and walk away feeling completely different.

One feels proud, energized, and confident.
Another feels disappointed, frustrated, and like it “wasn’t enough.”

The difference isn’t the result.
It’s the meaning they attached to it, and what they decided before they even got started.

The Magic 3-Step Process

Over and over again, I see lasting change come from the same simple framework:

1. Set the goal

But not just a surface-level goal.

Instead of asking “How much weight do I want to lose?” try asking:

• How do I want to feel in my body?

• How do I want food to feel in my life?

• What would feeling supported and steady in my body actually look like?

This is where we shift from choosing what would make us feel thin…
to choosing what’s actually best for our body.

2. Establish the habit

Once you know what you want, the next step is deciding what you’re willing and able to do.

Not what sounds impressive.
Not what someone else is doing.
But what realistically fits into your life right now.

For some women, progress looks like consistent workouts and structured meals.
For others, progress looks like:

• Fewer afternoon binges

• Eating enough protein

• Being kinder to themselves

• Fueling instead of restricting

All of that counts.

3. Reflect (the step most people skip)

Reflection is where everything comes together.

We live in a world that wants quick advice, quick fixes, and quick results. But reflection is what helps you understand how all the pieces actually work in your own life.

It’s what turns effort into insight, and insight into sustainable change.

A Gentle Word on Tracking Food

Tracking food isn’t a rule. It’s a tool.

For some people, tracking can bring awareness:

• Are you eating enough?

• Are you fueling your workouts?

• Are your choices supporting digestion and energy?

For others, tracking may feel stressful or triggering, and that matters too.

This is why the goal is never blind compliance.
The goal is self-trust.

Tracking can be temporary.
Tracking can be flexible.
Tracking can be optional.

What matters most is how you relate to the information, not whether you track perfectly. Listen in for exactly how to set up tracking and if it is right for you. 

The Invitation

If you’re ready to stop chasing results and start creating something that actually supports you…

Start by deciding:

• What do you want this process to give you?

• How do you want to feel in your body over the next 12 weeks?

• How do you want to treat yourself along the way?

• Is some form of tracking your food right for you?

That decision alone can change everything.

Join the Free Coaching Series

If you’re ready to stop starting over and start building trust in yourself again, this is your invitation.

👉 Join Trust Your Body, Change Your Habits 12 Weeks of Free Coaching
Join HERE https://www.dorothymcgatlin.com/Trustyourbody

💫 For amazing workouts to feel strong and capable in your body, The Lift Library

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