A paper food log vs a tracking app
A week of paper is enough to see a pattern. An app is better if you want a long record and you will keep opening it.
Log on paper for seven days if you have never looked honestly at portions. Switch to an app only if you still want the data after that week.
Setup
Paper log: Print a page
Tracking app: Account, database, barcodes
Accuracy
Paper log: As good as your honesty
Tracking app: As good as the database entry you picked
Shame factor
Paper log: Lower for some people
Tracking app: Higher for some people
Best length
Paper log: One to two weeks
Tracking app: As long as it helps and no longer
Choose Paper log if
- You want a pattern, not a hobby.
- You are helping a parent and a phone is fiddly.
- You are logging sodium from labels.
Choose Tracking app if
- You like the barcode.
- You already track and it is calm.
- You want charts for a coach.
Neither method changes the plate by itself. The [macro log](/templates/macro-log) and the [sodium log](/templates/sodium-log) are the paper versions. The on-site tools are the middle ground: no account, saved in the browser.
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Questions
Which is more accurate?
The one you will not fudge. A precise app with a fictional dinner is less accurate than a blunt paper note.