Keeping a Food Journal Can Promote Weight Loss
By Virginia Laird
Millions across the nation struggle to lose weight and keep it off. Many will try extreme dieting that may prove expensive in an effort to achieve the desired results. Some health professionals suggest that the trick is to keep close tabs on food and drink consumed in a day, as well as exercise performed. Keeping a food journal has proven to be effective in helping with the battle of losing weight. A few things to add to your food journal include:
- Weigh-in weekly
- Take your measurements
- Track all food and drink consumed
- Keep track of your workouts
Weigh-In Weekly
When trying to lose weight it is vital to step on the scale. While this can be a downer, it is necessary to have a beginning weight. Health and wellness professionals advise that there will be times in which you will feel better than ever but the number on the scale may not have moved. Although it can be easy to throw in the towel, it is normal for everyone to have some of this. Writing your weight down often can help you identify where you have made progress throughout the entire journey.
Take Your Measurements
Many health and wellness experts suggest taking measurements routinely. This can help you identify success at times when the scale is stagnant. It is possible to lose inches without losing weight. A few measurements to include could be your waist, hips, and chest. There are many other measurements you could choose to include in your journal.
Track All Food and Drink Consumed
Research suggests that writing down everything consumed each day is a way to count calories without starving yourself. It is far too easy to overeat when there is nothing drawing attention to what is being consumed. If you are one who is constantly on-the-go, there are many apps which can help to track your food.
Keep Track of Your Workouts
No matter if you work out hard for hours at the gym or simply walk through your neighborhood, keeping track of what you do can help you with weight loss. Another benefit of logging your exercise is to be able to take notes about the classes or exercises you did. Keeping notes of whether you loved it or very much disliked it can help you decide what workouts to try in the future.
If you are ready to lose weight and keep it off, it may be time to begin keeping a food journal right away. There is no wrong method for this weight loss tool. Find what works for you and make it part of your daily routine.
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