Benefits of a Food Dairy
Mid March I decided to start keeping a food journal. I really wanted to focus on what I was putting in my body. I had to do this for a class at DePaul last fall and I felt it was very helpful. I jot down breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and my workout. This way I can keep track if I’m eating enough or too much as well as what kind of food I’m eating. Even if it’s only a handful or a small bite I write it down. I also find it helpful with keeping track of my workout routines. My list is usually looks like a lot of food, however, I eat very small portions all day long. I’m constantly snacking to keep my metabolism going.
Benefits of food journals:
*Encourages you to focus on what you are eating
*Tracks progress
*You are less likely to binge eat or make a poor choice since you have to write it on paper. Who wants to write down that you ate a box of cookies?
*More likely to lose weight
*Encourages mindful eating
My journal yesterday looked like this:
Breakfast:2 Vans gluten free waffles with sunflower butter and honey. Cup of coffee with milk
Lunch: chicken sausage with spinach and laughing cow herb cheese
Dinner: baked chicken with sweet potato and quinoa
Snacks: goldfish, grapes, protein shake, and trail mix.
workout: 3 mile run. 1 hour walk with dogs.
