A food journal is simply a place to document everything you eat in a day. Scientific literature has established that keeping track of what you eat and drink is an effective tactic for making dietary changes. A recent article in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reported that study participants who kept consistent food journals lost significantly more weight than those who did not. Another study, in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, worked with a more culturally diverse group. The researchers found that people using a food journal at least 6 days a week lost nearly twice as much weight as those who tracked their diet 1 day per week or less (Hollis and Gullion 2008).
Keeping a food journal works because it increases awareness and accountability. If you have an iphone or computer try one of these popular and free food tracking aps. CalorieKing, Fitday, Lose It, My Calorie Counter or My Fitness Pal.
Food journaling along with goal setting will improve your chances of a successful weight loss journey. Why not start today.
