Journaling and keeping track of weight loss and what you eat has been known to be an effective technique when trying to lose weight. You can start forming this habit during your medical weight loss program, but even after the program has ended, maintaining the habit can help you to continue your weight loss and prevent the risk of weight regain.
Journaling your Weight Loss Journey
When keeping a weight loss journal, consistency is key. When you start, make a point to write in it as often as possible.
If your schedule isn’t as regular over the weekend or on your days off, then make it a point to keep to writing in your journal as much as you can during the rest of the week.
When it comes to keeping your own weight loss journal there is room for personal preference in what you write—and how detailed it is.
There are no rules as to how you keep your weight loss journal. When you are writing, consider logging details like:
- What you’ve eaten, including calorie and nutrient intake
- What time you’ve eaten at
- Hunger and cravings
- Exercise
- Weight loss goals and plans
- Sleeping habits
You may prefer quickly jotting down a list of items with minimal explanation into your entries, or you may decide to sit down and write several paragraphs about how you feel and what you’ve done today.
If you want some additional help to get started, consider downloading a free phone application to help keep track of things. They provide a quick form to log what you eat and will track your diet and exercise habits for you. There are dozens of free and paid applications out there, so try as many as it takes until you find one that’s right for you.
