A food log is a method of tracking meals often used by people trying to lose weight or make dietary changes. It involves recording everything one eats or drinks during a certain period of time, and can be used to create awareness about eating habits and make specific recommendations for dietary changes.
A food log, also called a food diary or food diary, is a method of tracking meals often used by people trying to lose weight or make other dietary changes. Nutritionists and dietitians often recommend food logs when working with clients who may have difficulty changing their eating habits. One might choose to keep track on their own as well, just to create more awareness about eating habits. A simple lined notebook can double as a record, or a computer spreadsheet is another great approach to keeping information organized.
In a food log, a certain period of time will first be determined during which food intake will be recorded. This can be as little as a day, or as long as a week, two weeks, or a month. In general, it’s a good idea to keep a log for at least a week, to get the most complete picture of eating habits possible. This full picture will begin to clearly illustrate where changes need to be made.
The most basic type of food log usually involves writing down everything one eats or drinks during the day. Many people are surprised to see how much they actually eat when forced to write it down, finding that they often mindlessly eat throughout the day, which can be a huge contributor to weight gain. It may not even be necessary to write down the caloric content of food; often the list is enough.
However, some choose to research the caloric content of foods and make this part of the food log as well. This can be very beneficial for someone trying to lose a significant amount of weight, or trying to eat a specific number of calories to match an exercise goal. Calorie counting is one of the most effective ways to alter your diet and lose weight.
Keeping a food log for a dietitian also allows you to make specific recommendations for dietary changes. For example, if a dietitian sees that you drink a soda with lunch every day, she may recommend that the client replace it with water or unsweetened iced tea. The client will likely be asked to continue to keep the record until lasting changes have been made or until weight loss or health goals, such as lowering blood sugar or lowering cholesterol, have been achieved.
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