Imagine a free weight loss tool that doubles your chances of losing pounds. That’s how powerful a food journal can be. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente studied participants in a weight-loss program and found that those who kept daily food journals lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t.
Of course, keeping a journal does require some time and work. See how these tips can help you stay on track.
Benefits of Keeping a Food Journal
1. Increase your awareness. A food journal stops mindless snacking and makes you more aware of how much you really eat.
2. Resist temptation. Knowing that you’ll need to jot down those bacon bits on your salad or that extra slice of birthday cake may be all you need to stop you in your tracks. Making nutritious food choices becomes automatic.
3. Increase your knowledge. Your journal is educational, too. You’ll learn about calorie counts, fiber intake, portion sizes, and new recipes. MyFitness Pal, a popular weight loss app, claims its users who log recipes lose 40% more weight.
4. Target your efforts. Once you spot your triggers, you can change them. You’ll notice the times of day when you crave something sweet or your tendency to eat the whole donut when you meant to take just a bite.
5. Eat healthy. Remember that your food journal can help you do more than take off pounds. You can identify allergies, monitor your blood sugar, or do anything involving food and your overall well-being.
How to Keep a Food Journal
1. Act quickly. Writing your meals and snacks down immediately is ideal. You’re less likely to forget important details.
2. Aim for consistency. Make entries each day, if possible. If you slip occasionally, get back on track as soon as possible. The more weeks and months of data you collect, the more valuable your journal becomes. If the time commitment seems daunting, remember that you’ll probably get faster as you go along.
3. Tell the truth. Be honest, even if your lunch consisted entirely of French fries. You can keep the entries for your eyes only if it helps.
4. Be specific. Details matter. Mention each ingredient in your sandwich. Notice how much cream or sugar you’re adding to your coffee. Pay attention to your calories, whether you indulge in pumpkin lattes or margaritas.
5. Look at the big picture. Your diary can encompass more than just food and beverages. Write about your emotions and how they affect your eating. Include information about other relevant factors, such as exercise, sleep, and health conditions.
6. Choose your format. Buy a pretty blank book or use an online template. Maybe you want something easy to tote around or prefer to keep it on your nightstand.
7. Take pictures. Photos make your journal more fun and productive. Include before and after shots of your shrinking waistline. Use images to help you remember and recreate your favorite slimmed-down dishes.
8. Review frequently. Rereading your diary will help you evaluate your progress and make healthy changes. Looking back allows you to reflect and gather any information you want to share with your doctor or other professionals. You can also use your diary to chart your future as you think about the next milestone you wish to reach.
Keeping track of what you eat is an effective way to lose weight. As long as you’re consistent and accurate about food journaling, an occasional slip will not prevent you from eating healthier and looking slimmer.
