A 2017 survey regarding Americans’ resolutions revealed 45% want to lose weight or get in shape. Does this sound like you? Then, what’s a good way to find success?
Charlene Causey, owner of Brilliant Balance, Pueblo’s premier Barre Fitness Studio, recommends keeping a food journal. WebMD published a scientific study documenting evidence that writing down food intake ensures favorable results when trying to lose weight. Those who kept a food journal six days a week lost twice as much weight as those who did so only one day a week. Researchers found that keeping a food diary was the single best predictor as to whether a dieter lost weight. Increased awareness of what you are ingesting enables you to feel fuller sooner, than when you are just mindlessly munching.
Here are five equally enticing reasons to revive the old-school practice of journaling. First, track what you eat and you will know more about how many calories you actually consume. Average Americans underestimate calorie consumption by about 25%. Secondly, a journal is a mechanism for controlling BLTs, known to nutritionists as bites, licks and tastes. Just sneaking in six BLTs each day can pack on up to 15 pounds in a year! Write it down. This helps you cut back on snacking.
Thirdly, keeping an accurate food journal reveals the number of servings of fruits and vegetables you are eating and how often you reach for a sugary treat instead. Recognizing areas of imbalance in your diet shows where you are sabotaging your attempts to lose weight. Fourthly, keeping a record of what you eat can also help you discover why you eat. Noticing patterns enables you to do something about changing them. Substitute a brief walk or a round of deep breathing for consumption of a bag of chips. These other activities reduce the stress that causes you to eat in the first place.
Lastly, in addition to analyzing your journal for dietary downfalls, your records can reveal buried treasure. You may uncover positive patterns of change. For instance, noticing that your fruit and veggies have increased from three servings to six servings each day, or realizing you no longer need that mid-afternoon candy. These changes should definitely put a smile on your face. Rejoice by taking a body barre class, getting a massage or simply relaxing. Keeping a food journal and experiencing the varied benefits leading to weight loss, can keep you celebrating all year long!
