4 Tips for Making a Food Journal Work for You
By Virginia Laird
If you are one who struggles with your weight, or struggles to avoid unnecessary snacking, keeping a food journal may be wise. Health and wellness professionals advise that keeping a food journal can help to better keep count of the calories consumed daily. Research suggests that using this technique is one of the more successful ways to ensure you do not overeat. A few things you should consider keeping as part of your food journal include:
- Your daily beverage consumption
- Daily food consumption
- Exercise routines
- Weight and measurements
Your Daily Beverage Consumption
While it may be called a food journal there are multiple things you can log to help you control eating habits. Keeping count of the beverages you consume can help you be sure to drink enough water, as well as help you to avoid having too many calories from sugary drinks and carbonated sodas. It is best to always measure what you drink. Keep in mind the most important beverage to drink is water. It is recommended to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces daily.
Daily Food Consumption
Daily food consumption is obviously one thing you are going to track in your journal. This includes any and everything you eat. While some may not want to count the food that is a taste-test here and there, it is vital to know that all calories count. What and how much you consume is absolutely the key in losing weight and maintaining it.
Exercise Routines
While it may not be something that you consume, exercise can help account for how many calories can be eaten. Research suggests as you track your exercise you are less likely to skip out more than one day at a time. This can help you continue to head to the gym even when you least want to.
Weight and Measurements
Another thing that is vital to keep in a food journal is weight and measurement. This is especially true for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain it. Making sure to weigh in every week at around the same time is imperative to making sure you stay on track. Another thing to track is measurements. Fitness professionals suggest there are many times where it is possible to lose inches without having the scale budge. Keeping track of your measurements can help you recognize success, when you otherwise may think you have hit a plateau. With all this information, you are sure to be able to begin making progress controlling and maintaining your weight today.
Now get yourself a journal and begin keeping track of your calories, exercise and weight right away.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loganville, Ga.