Comments on: How to Keep a Food Journal

on 2/12/2007 If you are having trouble with this, it keeps you on track if you have to share your journal with someone. Find another food-journalizer that you trust and who will not pass judgment.

Also, going online will help to trade food journals for review. This will hold you more accountable than you know.

on 11/22/2005 There are many online versions of food journals, most of them free. These programs automatically calculate the calories for the foods you enter, and you can also program in meals and customized foods. After having my resting metabolic rate measured, I used one such site in combination with exercise to lose almost 30 pounds!

on 11/22/2005 Start with a food group you enjoy, like fruit for instance, and add records for another food group as your success consciousness grows

on 11/22/2005 Try an easily carried form printed off the computer. I make a box for each day with the three meals listed (and checkboxes for water). Then I just fill in the blanks. I don't calculate calories, just seeing everything listed is enough for me!

on 11/22/2005 I find that if I have a form to fill out, it's much easier. I made a weekly chart and under each day I have a food/calorie/total calories section, than a checklist with Vitamins, Exercise, #glasses of water, etc. Design what works for you!

on 11/22/2005 After a set time of eating healthy and recording it in a journal, reward yourself for your good work. Allow yourself a small serving of a treat you usually wouldn't eat, like a candy bar. This can take care of junk food cravings.

on 11/22/2005 I have been keeping a food journal for years and my tip is sticking with it. I have gone for weeks without entering anything and then I go right back to my previous routine. I find that by returning to it, I realize how much it helps me.

on 11/22/2005 Every morning, write down your goals for the day; for example, drinking eight glasses of water or eating five servings of fruits and vegetables. Then you can check off these goals as you meet them every day!

on 11/22/2005 Keeping a food journal is a great way to track how much junk you eat (and make you feel guilty for eating it). However, if you are a migraine sufferer, a journal is also an excellent way to isolate any food-related triggers.

on 11/22/2005 Never forget to enter everything you eat into the journal. This can put you behind, and you may even forget about what you ate.