I find that any time I get a question on diet or ways to lose weight, my immediate response is: "How about you start keeping a food log and bring that to me in one week for review?" I automatically see the clients eyes roll and frown appear.
What is it about keeping a food log that clients so dislike? Is it the time that it takes to write down every bite of food you take during the day? Is it facing the reality that you really did eat 1/2 bag of chips for your afternoon snack? Is it knowing that when the dietitian sees what you are eating on a regular basis, she is going to encourage you to make some life changes that you aren't really willing to make?
Whatever the answer is, I still believe that keeping a food log is a great way to start analyzing your diet. A lot of us don't realize how much we are eating, what we are eating, and when we are eating it. We have a perceived notion that we eat three meals per day, we get all of our fruits and vegetables, and we only eat a dessert once a week.... and for many of us, that is far from the truth. In my four years of practice, I have found that if clients are unwilling to keep a food log, they are also unwilling to make changes that I would recommend for their meal plans. By keeping a food log, we are able to assess what we are eating on a regular basis and start to make small changes, that overtime, equal big results.
Consider keeping a food log. It's a great way to see which areas need change and also assist in evaluating your food goals. There are many ways to keep a food log, but the most important items to note is what you eat, when and how much. Be sure to measure portion sizes and record just how much of the item you are consuming.
Many people have become tech savvy with their food log and use different apps for phones or record their food logs online. Two sites that I really like to use is http://www.sparkpeople.com/ or http://www.thedailyplate.com/
Good luck!
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