Today is Dear Diary Day, a perfect time to introduce the Food and Activity Diary (or Journal).

Courtesy – Dr Sandra Frank

Food and Activity Diary

No matter how many great weight control programs are out there, the Food and Activity Diary is one of the key tools to successful weight control.

The research for Dr Sandra Frank’s doctoral degree was on the study of people who successfully lost at least 20 pounds, kept it off for at least five years and were still at their desired weight range at the time of the study.  She wanted to know if there were common factors leading to their success at maintaining weight loss. One of the factors turned out to be the Food Diary. Seventy-three percent of the individuals studied used a diary, journal or some form of record keeping.
Dr Frank says , “You might be surprised by what you discover about your habits. It’s easy to overlook a handful of Parmesan cheese tossed on your pasta or the amount of salad dressing you use. In addition, you may notice patterns of eating; such as boredom, anger, sadness, happiness, or 12 noon. By becoming aware of habits, you can start to make changes.”

A Diary is a record of your life in progress. Use the diary to record your daily foods, activities, thoughts and goals. You will lose weight and keep it off. And if you have the chance to read it ten year from now, you will have fond memories and a documented journey of your adventure and success.

The Food and Activity Diary was designed to be used by any weight control program. So whether your counting calories, carbohydrates, fat, proteins, points, or food groups you can easily use the Food and Activity Diary
How to Use the Diary

1. Motivation, Inspiration and Positive Thinking. Start your day off on a positive note. If you start to slide, remember the positive thought for the day.
2. Record the foods and the amounts of everything you eat and drink, even one grape. Don’t forget to weigh or measure your food. In time, you will be able to guess the size, but for now make sure you have a kitchen scale, measuring cups, and measuring spoons.

3. Be honest.
Do not write down a carrot when you just ate a hot fudge sundae.
Record foods right after eating, otherwise you may forget.

Obtaining nutrition information on food products is easy today. Check the Internet, the nutrition label, or a book on foods and nutrients.

At the end of the day, total up your numbers and place them in the summary box. How did you do? There is also a place for you to monitor your activities or exercise, thoughts and goals.

At the end of each 7 days there is a week in review section. Look at what you have accomplished and set new goals. Practice positive thinking and complete the weekly self-awareness assignment.

Free Resources
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute,NIH. Daily Food and Activity Diary
My Fitness Pal. No need to join