Signs that it is time to let go of your fitness tracker

Written by: Angelica Guadalupe, Intern

Do you rely on your Apple Watch or a calorie tracking app on a day to day basis? Let me tell you why this can do more harm than good. BUT first, I want to make it clear that your Apple Watch can be a great tool when improving your relationship with food and your body. You create your own “goals” and can make sure to not receive any diet-talk notifications, etc! 

I would not recommend a calorie tracking app, but this can also be a tool depending on the individual’s needs. Calorie tracking is not needed, and learning your hunger and fullness cues are much more effective in helping you long-term.

If you use any of these every single day, then it is definitely a good time to take a break or let them go fully. Making sure you meet “goals” each day can become obsessive and create an unhealthy habit. 

Signs you should let go of your Apple Watch or calorie tracker

• If having them feels more like a chore than anything else

• You go for a walk just to reach your “goals” (when you don’t want to)

• You let it dictate what you’re going to eat/drink

• You can’t workout without plugging it in

• You track every single bite you take

• You’re looking at it constantly

Benefits of letting go of your Apple Watch or calorie tracker

• You won’t feel guilty for indulging in your favorite foods

• You won’t feel the need to earn your calories

• You’ll be more comfortable having “lazy days”

• You will start understanding and listening to your body more

• It will help you to stop obsessing over “goals”

• It will allow you to not meet the “goals” and feel fine about it

Remember, your worth is not defined by how many steps you did or what you ate today!! Your Apple Watch or calorie tracking app should not be consuming your life. What might be helpful for you may not be helpful to someone else, so it’s important to understand the cons of these things.