So one thing we constantly tell our patients, “Keep a diet log!” Finally we are revealing why and its for big three reasons.
Reason #1 | Aids Weight Loss
Diet research shows those who keep a food log lose up to 30 to 50% more weight than people who don’t. Why you ask? It keeps you honest. We know how it is. It is very easy to think you are eating one way when the reality is quite different.
Keeping a running log of what you are eating, portion sizes and when you eat “lifts the veil” on any bad habits you might have and not be aware of.
For example, if you are convinced that you are not consuming a lot of sugar, then in keeping a diet log you come to find out you are consuming much more than you thought on a daily basis.
Also, portion control is key to weight management and can easily be tracked and logged on one sheet of paper.
Having to record every detail of the food you eat is great motivation to stick to your plan. That decadent double chocolate cake loses its appeal when you know have to write it down at the end of the day.
Lastly, try jotting down timing, location and emotions you are feeling during your meals. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself through food. You may notice that if you wait too long between meals it causes you to binge or a partiular person or situation increases your cravings for sugar.
Reason #2 | Helps Make Health Changes Easier
If you are one of the people that has to make dramatic dietary changes due to an autoimmune disorder or chronic health condition, such as:
- Hashimoto’s,
- hypothyroidism,
- multiple sclerosis and
- even rheumatoid arthritis,
food logs are for you. By keeping track of what you eat and what your symptoms you can actually track what might cause a flare up for your condition.
Reason #3 | Finding Food Intolerances
Another great reason for keeping food logs are to find out if you have any food intolerances. You can do this by following the elimination-provocation diet. This “diet” works to find intolerances by eliminating common dietary triggers, such as, gluten, eggs, dairy, sweeteners or soy for a certain period of time.
After you eliminate these foods from your diet, you incorporate them back into your diet and record any changes. If you do have any sensitivities or allergies you body will show a noticable reaction.
Next Steps
Click here to take Dr. Rose’s Nutritional Profile Quiz and get an overview of what your nutritional imbalances could be. You’ll get your results immediately.
Dr. Marina Rose has helped people with acid reflux and other challenging, chronic health conditions in and around the city of Los Altos, CA.