I know, you probably hate using a food journal-- you've tried it before and you think it's a big waste of time. Well, hopefully I can change your mind to give it another try with a different approach. You may find yourself uplifted, positive and thinking, why haven't I done it this way before? So, let's get started by repeating after me, Keep an open mind! You're never too old to learn something new.
Here are a few suggestions that will work and you'll be on your way to a very positive and rewarding experience.
First, find a journal that has columns for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks. FitDay is an online food journal which tracks everything you'll need to know, so it's a great place to start. Have fun with this and take your time. You'll find it very therapeutic and beneficial in the long run to have a tool like FitDay that will help you jot down your daily intake for the day, as well as track your nutritional and fitness goals.
Second, make sure to check in and keep your journal current throughout the day. When you are tempted to grab a snack, you may have a little deterrent to avoid that downfall, if you've already had your daily intake. Think of it as your best friend giving you a gentle reminder that you want to feel and look good about yourself. At the end of each day, you can check yourself and see where you are versus your goals. FitDay Premium offers much more detail into your diet and is a great way to get even more info for a small cost.
I have found in the many years that I've been writing all my activities down and food intake, if there are columns that I can check and jot a few notes, it makes me feel downright wonderful, accomplishing a goal for the day and it's fun to look back to see how far you've come in your adventure to the new you.
Journaling has been shown to be a positive tool that will help you accomplish your goals and keep yourself on track. When you write down your goals, when you track what you're food intake and activity levels, it makes you accountable, and by having responsibility for yourself, that is a wonderful thing. Really! You'll find it an enjoyable experience.
If you are not use to writing down your thoughts and goals, please consider this approach, journal at the end the day. Find a nice quiet place that is your own, so you can sit down, relax and watch that pen flow with your words on the day's accomplishments. It becomes a way for you to see what you've down throughout the day, it gives you a greater sense of purpose in your adventure to becoming the best you can be!
Michele Batz is a 30-year veteran in the physical education field, with a master's and PhD in holistic nutrition and a master's in Administration. She's been a Fitness writer for the past 7 years to help motivate not just in the physical sense but also the creative. The arts with movement is an element she is working on in her classes and with the help of CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Children's Health) to combine all elements of leading a healthy, active life. CATCH involves the whole school community, physical education teachers, classroom teachers, cafeteria, parents and the community. This is a wonderful way to educate our youth to fight children's obesity. Michele enjoys her life with her husband and son, living in Illinois. Visit her blog at mbatz.blogspot.com.
