Did you know that keeping a regular food journal may help boost your weight loss success? Recent research published in the journal Obesity shows that it takes about 15 minutes per day, and it isn’t about how detailed your entries are, but more about how often you log. Those that use their food journal most frequently (3+ times per day) shed the most pounds.
“When we pay attention to what goes in, we are more aware of the decisions we make and our typical eating habits. Tracking what we eat is a way to cultivate this awareness, and it also encourages accountability to ourselves,” explains Marni Amsellem, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Connecticut and New York. “Compliance, or regular tracking, is key.”
Of course, there’s a gap between knowing that consistent food journaling is good for you and actually making it a habit. Here are 4 ways to learn how you can increase your motivation to stick with a food journal for long-term weight-loss success:
MAKE IT EASY
A food journal that’s convenient to use and accessible 24/7 will set you up for success. You can be motivated to stick with a food journal by keeping it somewhere you can always find it. It’s simple. If something is convenient for you to do, you will be more likely to follow through with it. If you’re short on time, try taking a picture of your food and logging it later.
