Want to Lose Twice as Much Weight?

I knew I’d get your attention with that headline. Am I selling a “magic” cream or pill? Nope! Just old fashioned accountability in the form of: a food journal. Simply keeping track of everything you eat within a day can open your eyes to unhealthy eating habits that you may not have even been aware of!  In fact, people who keep track tend to lose twice as much weight as those who don’t. I know it’s a pain in the you-know-what, but you’ll experience some amazing benefits along the way:

Accountability

Food journals are an easy way to keep yourself accountable and on track towards reaching your healthy goals. You will be amazed at how much you learn about your habits each day, just by writing them down!

“If you bite it, you write it!”

When keeping a food log, detail is key.  Write down the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Being honest with yourself is the only way you will be able to make healthy changes in the future.

Questions to Keep in Mind

Where are you eating? How hungry are you when you eat? Do you eat slowly or quickly? What’s your mood?  These are all great questions to ask yourself when keeping a food diary to help you determine what triggers your eating habits and where you can improve.

Food Prep

Don’t forget to take into account how food is prepared. Even though you may order chicken—a seemingly healthy option—sautéing can sneak in extra calories versus grilled. Write down all of these details in your food log to keep track of all calories.

Tech Out

Web-based providers, such as FitDay.com or the “LoseIt!” app, offer free services that include a personal account where daily food and activity calories can be tracked. Share your information with friends or a dietitian to help keep yourself accountable!

To help simplify and make sense of a food diary, check out the book, The Ultimate Diet Log, written by my friend and fellow dietitian, Cynthia Sass, and Suzanne Schlosberg. Their book will help guide you through the steps necessary to maintain a successful food log!

Start logging today!