Who writes in a food Journal?... regularly

[JAFitMama]

To be honest, some years I do and some I don't. However the years that I do, I am definitely better off. I have gone for a few years at a time where I do journal and then have stopped for whatever reason. Currently, I am in the journaling mode.

It is funny, since starting exercising in 1990 on a daily basis, I have never stopped. If I had journaled my eating all this time , perhaps my results would have been more consistant. Just a thought here excuse my rambling today. The coffee must be double strength....

Judy "Likes2bfit"

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce94279e1404fa00000016108AatHLZo3buN

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce9426d089240c00000015108AatHLZo3buN

 

[brickhouse]

I used to use a palm pilot/pc version of balance log. I started obsessing about the calories and I really wasn't good about tracking everything or trying to find something close to what I ate.

Now, I've made my own little log sheet for the week and I just write down what I ate (not portion or quantity), when I ate it, and how hungry I was and how satisfied I was after. It has allowed me to be honest and not worry about the protein/fat/calorie breakdown as before. I'm familiar enough with all that stuff that I can eyeball it if I'm looking to lose weight. Or I can figure out that the Root Beer Floats I've had the past two nights, might not be the best thing!

Jeanette

 

[jdoll]

I am religious about it. I do it on paper and sparkpeople.com, but i have been journaling every last thing i eat for over a year now.


jes

 

[JAFitMama]

Jeanette- I was obsessive for quite a while too. The WW point system was my yard stick. It got to be too involved. My current goals are to maintain healthy eatong habits. It is much more relaxing now, yet it still holds me accountable for my choices.

Jes- I thought you mentioned your journaling in the past. Your pictures certainly reflect a healthier you as time has gone by. ;-) ;-)


Judy "Likes2bfit"

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce94279e1404fa00000016108AatHLZo3buN

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce9426d089240c00000015108AatHLZo3buN

 

[brickhouse]

One thing I forgot to mention. The reason I went back to journaling was to help identify foods that upset my stomach. I've had problems with IBS, lactose intolerance, Gurd and hiccups for years now. I know for the most part what foods to avoid but I don't like to limit my food options.

This way if it ever gets really bad, I just have to bring my sheets with me to the doctor or nutritionist for them to see my history. I also note if my stomach was good or bad that day, how many times I got up to use the bathroom at night, water intake, medicine and exercise.

It sounds like a lot, but I made myself a nice log sheet on excel and just print a new one each week. On the back I added a weekly planner. I like that I tailored it for my needs and I'm not spending money on a product that doesn't have what I want.

Jeanette

 

[kristi]

I've been journaling my food intake for almost 3 weeks now. I use the Fitday program I bought as well as notebook to keep track of my daily intake. It is the easiest way for me to zigzag my caloric intake and lose the baby weight. So far I'm really enjoying it. I hope I keep it up long term.

 

[truton]

I am religious about it. Being a WW lifetimer it helps keep me accountable. If I don't journal I find myself either overeating or undereating, neither of which is good. After all these years I've just accepted the fact that I'm not nor ever will be an intuitive eater who can maintain a steady weight without journaling. To some it may seem like a chore but in my mind it's a small price to pay for health.

 

[honeybunch1]

I started doing it a few years ago after I gained about 5 lbs. and I was trying to determine if it was due to my eating too much or the medication the doc had prescribed for me. I got the WW at Home kit, and kept journal for years. I quit doing it recently because I eat the same stuff all the time so I know what my calorie level is. I think it's a great idea, first to get a clear picture of what you're REALLY eating, then to lose weight, and then to maintain it. It's part of being accountable, which is what most people do who are successful at losing weight and keeping it off long-term. That and (Gad Zooks!) weighing yourself at least once a month.
Just Do It!

 

[bestoutwest]

I use the Diet Minder Personal Food & Fitness journal. I write down everything I eat and track calories, fat, carbs, protein and fiber. The only times I don't get accurate counts is for a cheat meal, maybe once a week. It was what made the difference for me. I've lost 10 pounds since I started about 3 months ago!

 

[luvtorun]

I use fitday religiously and have since July and before that I've written down everything I've eaten since April 2003 when I went on Weight Watchers and dropped 30 pounds. I document every day, the good, the bad, and the ugly!