Back on Track with Cronometer: The App That Keeps Me Honest
Two weeks ago, I arrived back in Melbourne from Bali. I was in top shape—lean, strong, and deep in ketosis. I’d been tracking my blood sugar and ketones, eating with discipline and intention, and feeling better than I had in years. But like a driver who’s lost control of the wheel, I’ve veered off course. Not into a wall, mind you—but the ride’s gotten bumpy.
Let me be clear: I haven’t exactly been eating junk. It’s been raspberries, double cream, coconut yoghurt, macadamia nuts, steak, cauliflower and broccoli with butter. Great ingredients—just consumed erratically and without the structure that got me healthy in the first place.
My fasting blood glucose has crept back into the mid-5s, ketones have slipped below 1, and I know from experience that these are early warning signs. Especially for someone like me with a recent history of high insulin, creeping HbA1c, and a brush with pre-diabetes. The engine’s still running, but I need to grab the wheel again.
So today, I’m bringing out one of my best tools: The Cronometer App.
What is Cronometer?
Cronometer is a nutrition tracker that does far more than just count calories. It tracks macronutrients (carbs, protein, and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), calories, and even biometrics like weight, sleep, blood sugar, ketones, and more.
I first used Cronometer religiously back in 2021 during my cancer recovery. It helped me stay accountable, see patterns, and dial in my nutrition with precision. More than anything, it told me the truth. It doesn’t care about my mood or my story. It just logs what I eat and shows me what’s really going on under the hood.
Why Cronometer?
Here’s what I love about it:
Accurate food database – It uses lab-analyzed data from sources like the USDA, so the nutrient info is reliable—not crowdsourced guesstimates.
Tracks macros and micros – Perfect for keto, fasting, cancer protocols, and general health goals.
Custom recipes – I can build my own meals and get exact breakdowns.
Charts and trends – You can see your daily and weekly patterns at a glance.
Tracks supplements, fasting, biometrics – So if I want to log my testosterone injections or my ketone readings, it’s all in there.
Free vs. Paid Version
Free Version: Gives you access to most of the tracking tools—food diary, nutrition targets, and limited charts.
Cronometer Gold (Paid): Offers fasting timers, advanced trend charts, detailed reports, recipe sharing, and biometric tracking. It’s $10/month or $55/year. Worth every cent if you’re serious about your health.
What Are Macros, Anyway?
In case you’re new to this:
Carbs: Your body’s quick fuel source. For me, I keep this ultra-low to stay in ketosis.
Protein: For muscles, hormones, enzymes—essential stuff.
Fats: My main fuel on keto. Keeps me full and supports brain health.
Tracking macros helps you understand not just how much you’re eating, but what kind of energy you’re putting into your system.
Why Track at All?
Because numbers don’t lie.
In the past, when I stopped tracking, I drifted. I started snacking. I lost control of meal timing. Even though I was eating good foods, the structure went out the window—and with it, my results.
Cronometer gives me accountability, which is everything. Years ago, when I tried to stay sober, I hoped my doctor would hold me accountable. But he didn’t even remember me the second time I walked in. That’s when I realized the only person I can truly be accountable to is myself.
And that’s where stats come in.
My Advice? Just Start.
Don’t worry if you miss a day. Just pick it up again. The habit will form.
Start with:
Download the app – iOS or Android
Log your meals – even one meal a day at first
Track your macros and calories
Watch for trends – and adjust
And if you’re using it for keto like I am, track your net carbs (total carbs minus fibre), fat, and protein grams per day.
Final Thoughts
I’m not doing this to punish myself. I’m doing it to stay healthy, sharp, and alive. Cronometer is my mirror. It reflects my actions back to me—clearly and without judgment.
