Episode Summary:

In this episode of Wellness for Real Life, Lauren and Marci have a heart-to-heart about the power of nutrition tracking, how it can accelerate progress, and why it’s an empowering tool for reaching your goals — whether that’s weight loss, muscle gain, or recovery. They also discuss the common misconceptions surrounding tracking and share their own journeys with using tracking as a tool for sustainable success.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Lauren's Health Update: Lauren shares some good news about her house sale and updates us on how she's managing chronic pain while awaiting answers. She also talks about her current exercise restrictions and the lessons she’s learned about listening to her body.

[05:50] – Trusting Your Body in Recovery: Marci and Lauren dive into the importance of self-trust during periods of recovery, how to manage frustration when you can't train, and how nutrition can become a key focus when movement isn’t an option.

[08:00] – Coaching Through Chronic Pain: Lauren shares her experience of how being in chronic pain has given her new appreciation for her clients who are in the same situation. They discuss how this has deepened her coaching approach.

[12:15] – Why Tracking is Empowering: Lauren and Marci talk about how tracking can help collapse time on your health journey, provide immediate feedback on what’s working, and empower you to make better choices.

[15:40] – Tracking is Not Just for Weight Loss: Marci explains how she uses tracking to ensure proper nutrition during her own recovery phase. They also share the mindset shift required to embrace tracking as a tool, not a chore.

[22:05] – Simplifying Your Tracking Approach: The hosts share their practical tips on making tracking easier, such as eating the same meals consistently and pre-logging meals to make daily nutrition feel less daunting.

[28:00] – Can You See Results Without Tracking? They answer the age-old question: Is tracking really necessary to see results? While the answer is yes and no, they explain how it can expedite progress for many people.

[35:45] – How Tracking Builds Awareness: Marci and Lauren discuss how tracking helps you become more aware of portion sizes and food quality, and how these insights translate into long-term success, even when you’re no longer tracking.

[44:00] – Tips for Pre-Logging Meals: Marci breaks down why pre-logging meals can remove stress and help you stay on track, without having to make real-time decisions during your busy day.

[53:30] – Using Tracking as a Temporary Tool: Lauren explains that tracking is not meant to be a lifelong sentence but a temporary tool to create awareness and establish healthy habits. They also talk about how to transition off tracking when you feel ready.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lillie Eats and Tells – Macro-friendly recipes that Lauren loves to use for meal ideas
• You Need A Budget (YNAB) – The budget-tracking app Lauren mentioned for tracking her finances
• Lauren’s Weekly Meal Plan Freebie – Sign up to get Lauren's freebie: “5 Meals with Shredded Chicken” for easy, balanced meal ideas!

Connect with Us:

• Follow Lauren on Instagram: @thislifeuncluttered
• Follow Marci on Instagram: @MarciNevin

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