Want to lose weight?
|
Food Journal, Nutrition Journal, Food Diary, Diet Journal...
 |
Whatever you want to call it, the ultimate weight loss tool is not a treadmill. It's neither pill nor powder, nor a great diet book.
It's a pen!
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute proclaims that "record keeping is one of the most successful behavioral techniques for weight loss and maintenance." The Harvard School of Public Health says, "It's easy to eat more than you plan to. A daily food intake journal makes you more aware of exactly how much you are eating."
See? Even the experts agree with me!
Just like taking notes in school, food journaling reinforces knowledge and awareness. Owning a food diary can't make you lose weight, but using it is certain to help.
And remember this: it doesn't do any good to fudge!
Simply writing down what you eat is beneficial, regardless of whether you choose to meticulously calculate the fat grams, carb grams, protein grams, fiber grams, sugar grams, or calories!
There are many different parameters you're free to keep track of in your nutrition diary. There's no "right way." And the only "wrong way" is not to keep one at all!
Keeping food records can be as simple as jotting down everything you eat on a scrap piece of paper. But if you're like me and would likely forget where you put all those little scraps of paper, it's probably a good idea to invest in an official food journal.
Feel free to check out the diet journal I use with my clients...I developed it myself...there's even room to keep track of your exercise!
Diet Write Food and Fitness Journal is suitable for use with any diet or exercise plan and can be individualized as desired.
|
 |
I designed Diet Write to help you keep track of any or all of the following: calories, fat grams, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, fluid, physical activity, sleep patterns and energy levels. Record as much or as little as you like.
If you prefer a journal that's a little bit smaller so it will fit in a purse or briefcase, you may like one of these:
If you'd prefer to keep your journal online, you have a few options. Many of my clients prefer the journal at MyFoodDiary
Here are a couple of free, online food diaries that could easily get you started. For a small fee, the sites allow you to add enhanced features.
For more on food journaling, check out my How to Journal Your Eating page, as well as my Food Journaling FAQ's page.
Back to Personal Nutrition Guide Home.
