Is it possible to lose weight by just keeping a food diary? Sounds too good to be true, however according to a study done by Kaiser Permanente’s Center for Health Research, keeping a food diary can help you double your weight loss.

How you ask? By keeping a record of what you are eating, it helps you take responsibility and identify your food choices. You have a clear view of what, when and why you are eating. It allows you to learn about your eating habits and the amount of calories you are consuming.

According to the study, “Those who kept daily food records lost twice as much weight as those who kept no records. It seems that the simple act of writing down what you eat encourages people to consume fewer calories.” After six months of following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat or non-fat dairy, moderately exercising and the encouragement of a support group, the average weight loss was approximately 13 pounds.

Now doesn’t that get you motivated to pick up a piece of paper and jot down what you ate? Remember not to omit any information and do it right after eating; don’t depend on your memory. Most importantly, stay POSITIVE!

You can find more information about this study in the following article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708080738.htm

Check out this link for ideas on how to keep a food journal:

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/general-nutrition/299.html

Tags: Diet, Eating Habits, Food, Obesity, Weight Loss