That’s why I’ve adopted a “file over app” philosophy for health tracking. Instead of relying on apps, I save everything in open, accessible formats like Markdown or CSV. These files are local, portable, and universally readable—ensuring my data outlives any app or platform.
Here’s how I do it:
• Workouts, meals, and sleep logs go into plain text notes.
• Trends and averages (e.g., weekly sleep hours) are calculated in Google Sheets.
• Files sync to the cloud (Google Drive) and back up locally.
For example, my sleep log might look like this:
### Sleep Log (December 2024)
– 12/01: 7.5 hrs (11:00 PM – 6:30 AM)
– 12/02: 6 hrs (12:30 AM – 6:30 AM) – Felt tired, adjusted bedtime.
– 12/03: 8 hrs (10:30 PM – 6:30 AM)
Why this matters:
• Plain text lasts. It’s universally accessible and won’t be rendered useless if an app shuts down.
• You stay in control. Apps come and go, but your files remain intact and usable for the long haul.
If you’re curious about the latest insights on health and longevity, I share them weekly in my newsletter “longer.”
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