Have you ever kept a food diary, including tracking the size of your portions by weighing, measuring, and/or counting calories? My greatest success in regard to shedding weight has included doing just that. Last month, after consultation with a nutritionist, I started using a food diary again. Over a two-week period I shed approximately nine pounds by simply following the recommended portion sizes for my individualized calorie limits, and drinking more water in place of the reduced food consumption.
Several research studies indicate that people who use food diaries are more likely to shed excess weight and maintain that weight loss over time. Using a food diary can help you become more aware of how often, how much, and what you are consuming. Food diaries can also help identify areas that need improvement. For example, if you “eyeball” your servings instead of weighing and measuring, you may actually fall victim to “portion creep” (the tendency to eat slightly larger servings over time).
What is your experience using a food diary?
