Honestly, the best policy

I started tracking a few days ago, and already learned a few things. First, it's important to be accurate and meticulous, because small morsels can be quite significant. That tiny piece of chocolate-covered caramel I had today? Which I savored in about a dozen teeny bites? Was 60 calories on its own. 60! In such a tiny package! Each ounce of walnuts, such a seemingly modest snack - is 185 calories! I had 4 brazil nuts at a work party today - 120 calories! And I picked the macadamia nuts out of the nut bowl - 204 calories!

So yes, i am learning that the devil is in the details. I'm also learning that while I have no difficulty being honest in my regular life, tracking my food honestly requires more conscious effort. I think it's because I don't really want to know that the nuts are adding so many calories - I want to remain ignorant so I can just enjoy my snack!

So I wouldn't say that tracking has been an enjoyable exercise. But I'm recognizing how important it is - knowledge is power, right? If I track honestly, I cannot ignore the contributions of what I choose to put in my body, and I have to take responsibility for my actions. I know, it's obvious and I already *knew* all this. But actually *doing* the tracking finally, I can *feel* how important it is to be accountable.