Write down what you eat today to speed up weight loss! According to the latest research, people who keep a food log are more likely to reach their goals and stick to their diet. Starting a food diary makes you aware of what and how much you eat, and what triggers your cravings. It also keeps you accountable and makes it easier to plan your diet.
What Are the Benefits of a Food Diary?
Starting a food diary is one of the best ways to track your calorie intake and see what works best for weight loss. Most dieters either overestimate or underestimate the calories consumed throughout the day. They also have a hard time planning their meals and meeting their nutritional needs. A food log can eliminate these problems and help you reach a healthy weight.
A recent study has found that dieters who wrote down what they ate every day for six days a week lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t. Keeping a food log can help you figure out why you eat when you’re not hungry, what triggers your cravings, and what’s wrong about your diet. It also makes it easier to track your daily calorie and macronutrient intake, and choose foods that support your weight loss goals.
How to Start a Food Log
Keeping a food diary is easy. You can either write everything down, or use online tools, such as MyFitnessPal or FitDay. Many websites provide food log templates that you can download and fill out. Determine what data you want to track, such as your calorie intake, nutrients, body mass index, body fat, or macros. If you’re struggling with food cravings, write down how you feel after each meal.
Dieters with thyroid disorders or diabetes are advised to track the amount of carbs, fat, protein, and fiber consumed on a daily basis. This can help them figure out what triggers fatigue, hyperglycemia, or digestive distress. Ideally, record your meals daily, including weekends. Be consistent and make it a habit. Look back and check what you wrote once every two or three weeks so you can improve your diet.
