Last week I kept a food diary within the notes section of my Vivid Health and Fitness page.
I had a few people ask why.
Here's why.
Well first of all, it wasn't because I need to lose weight and it wasn't because I have an unhealthy diet.
However, I've never kept a proper food diary before that counted calories/fat/protein.
Keeping a food diary is something I recommend to others, especially when trying to gain control of their nutrition. I'm all about being authentic so it was something I felt I needed to do.
I'm glad I did. I looked over my lists at the end of the week and here is what I found out about myself.
• I haven't been eating enough protein.To combat this I am trying to make sure I include more protein rich food in my diet. I don't eat a lot of meat but am trying to add more tuna, nuts, eggs, quinoa and today went and bought some soy protein powder to add to my oats.
• I need to slightly increase calorie intake. I just need to make sure it's eating the right thing, not falling into the trap of thinking I have "spare calories" to indulge in "sometimes food". Not eating enough calories can stop our metabolism functioning properly as it can go into shutdown, starvation mode.
• Planning works. I think most people would benefit from this. Planning what you are going to eat, preparing for the day ahead makes sure that your choices are not made on the run or on an empty stomach and you are ore likely to keep your metabolism working properly.
If you haven't kept a food diary before I really do recommend it. Having done it now I can say it will benefit you whether you need to lose weight or not. It just helps you become more aware of how, why, what and how much you eat.
If you are trying to lose weight, however, I believe keeping a food diary really could be your secret weapon. You don't have to make it public, you just have to make it honest ;)
Jen
xx
