Writing is fundamental...to weight loss!

If you are like me, you are probably still recovering from a food hangover from this past July 4th weekend. It's okay to let loose once in a while, but the key is to not let that behavior spin out of control; get back on a healthy regiment the next day. Want to know an easy way to get back on track towards your weight loss goals? A new study soon to be released in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine now confirms what nutritionists have been telling their clients to do for years...keep a food diary. Sounds simple, right? It is! 

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland found that those subjects who kept a food diary doubled their weight loss, as opposed to those who didn't keep a food diary. In fact the more records they kept, the more weight they lost. Almost 70% of the nearly 1700 obese and overweight subjects lost at least 9 pounds within six months time.  It should be noted that along with the food diaries, the subjects also followed the heart healthy DASH diet, attended weight support groups, and exercised at least 30 minutes a day. But most importantly, keeping a food diary held the person accountable for what they put in their mouths.

Try it for a week or two. At the end of each week, read it through and see how you did. In time you'll notice where you need to make adjustments. If you're really bold, have someone else, like your spouse or a trusted friend, take a look at your journal. Nothing like another pair of eyes to keep you on the right track. All you need is a pen and paper, or if you prefer to do it online, there are a number of programs like www.nutritiondata.com, www.thedailyplate.com and www.mycaloriecounter.com.  I guarantee you'll think twice before ordering that double chocolate fudge cake with ice cream.