Keeping a food diary really works
Ask anyone about their eating habits and they will tell you their diet is better than it really is. We tend to have misconceptions about what we really eat, not being mindful of the amount of processed food we eat or the units of alcohol we drink. This is when a food diary is helpful as a reality check.
Reasons for keeping a food diary
The main reason is mentioned above – it’s a reality check and it’s not until you keep a food diary that this hits home. If you are totally honest then you will probably look back over a few days with your head in your hands. People often tend to change eating habits once staring a food diary and this has obvious benefits.
How to keep a food diary
This is the easy bit. You can just scribble it all down on a sheet of paper or be more organized and use a computer spreadsheet. Simply write everything you eat for a period of at least 3 days including one work day and one none work day (ie thursday, friday, saturday). There is no reason why you can’t keep a food diary for a whole month if you feel you are eating better as a result. Be sure to include all the following information;
- The day of the week
- The time of day
- The food (of course!)
- Any further details – tinned/ready meal/fresh etc
- Add all fluids including water, alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks..
- Be completely honest!!
Do this for a few days and it will change your perspective on food!
Simon Lesser works as a full time Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist. He works with a range of clients from a private gym in Bournemouth, Dorset – for more information call 07748 914368 or visit simonlesser.co.uk