Americans spend almost $35 billion per year in the quest for the perfect body. But there’s a simple, proven method of losing weight for free without any side effects: keeping a food journal.
Dear Diary – The Takeaway
Though it can take some time, tracking meals is worth the reward. One study suggests that when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan, writing down what we eat can nearly double weight loss
So why is the pen mightier than, say, pills and procedures? For one, food journaling gives people a way to reevaluate eating habits. When combined with goal setting and group therapy sessions, food journaling emphasizes the importance of monitoring and modifying daily behavior
And while it’s nice to have these conveniences in pocket, keeping a food journal need not require a complex algorithm— a simple notebook and pen will do just fine. Start small by recording dinner, then work up to a full day’s intake. Try to make a habit of writing everything down each night before bedtime. Just don’t be surprised how many packages of shark bites end up on there— be honest because that’s the point!
The Tip
Writing down what you eat can nearly double weight loss. So keep a food journal to help lose (and maintain) weight!
