Whether it’s through an app, notes on your phone, or the official MAN v FAT Tracking PDF, logging your food and drink consistently can help you see better results, stay accountable, and even score points for your team.
Here’s why tracking works and how to make it work for you.
Why Track Your Food?
We often underestimate what we’re eating, even when we’re trying to make healthy choices. That drizzle of oil when cooking? That large spoon of mayo? Those two biscuits with a cuppa? It all adds up.
Food tracking gives you:
- Clarity – You’ll see exactly what you’re eating, helping to spot easy wins or small habits holding you back.
- Control – When you know what’s going in, you’re more in control of how to make positive changes.
- Momentum – Once you start logging regularly, it becomes a habit – and one that leads to results.
Many of our members tell us that the act of writing it down or logging it makes them pause and consider if something’s really worth it. That pause? That’s powerful.
Track It = Score Points for Your Team
This isn’t just about personal progress. At MAN v FAT Football, your efforts off the pitch can earn your team bonus goals – even if you don’t lose weight that week.
As per our official rules, your team can earn up to 3 goals each week simply by showing your coach a completed food diary or tracking method.
So, just by tracking and showing your coach, you’re contributing to your team’s success even before you kick a ball.
How Can You Track?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Choose the method that fits into your lifestyle.
Popular food tracking methods:
- Apps – Easy to use, packed with data, and perfect for tech-savvy members:
- MyFitnessPal – Great food database and barcode scanner.
- Nutracheck – UK-based, user-friendly interface.
- Lose It! – Colourful, goal-driven app with great progress tools.
- Cronometer – For the nutrition nerds who want detailed breakdowns.
- Phone notes – Simple but effective. List your meals each day and bring them to your coach.
- MAN v FAT Digital Tracker (PDF) – A printable tool created just for our members.
Download the official tracker here.
Whichever method you choose, commit to using it daily, even on the days where things don’t go to plan.
Top Tips for Better Tracking
We know tracking can feel overwhelming at first, so here are some tried-and-tested tips from members who’ve been there:
- Start small – Don’t worry about perfection. Just log what you can, even if it’s only one or two meals a day to start.
- Use the barcode scanner – Apps like MyFitnessPal and Nutracheck let you scan barcodes for quick and accurate entries – no typing needed.
- Weigh it when you can – Using a kitchen scale a few times a week (especially for things like rice, pasta, oil, and cereal) will give you a better idea of portion sizes.
- Watch out for hidden calories – Sauces, oils, dressings, and drinks can sneak in more calories than you realise. Track them honestly and you’ll stay on top of your numbers.
- Plan ahead – Pre-log your meals in the morning or the night before. It gives you a roadmap and helps you stay on track through busy days.
- Share with your coach – Every time you show your tracking to your coach, you’re giving them the chance to support you better and you’re showing your team you’re committed.
Take control, one meal at a time
Food tracking isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, awareness, and progress. Whether you’re using an app, jotting notes, or using the MAN v FAT tracker, the most important thing is to stick with it. Even on the tough weeks. Especially on the tough weeks.
You’re already putting in the effort to show up, play hard, and support your teammates. This is one more way to level up and the results will show both on the pitch and on the scales.
So take the next step. Start tracking today. Bring it to your coach. And help your team rise to the top of the table – together.
