Dieters who are serious about losing weight keep a food diary. Are you ready to eat healthy and slim down? Then use this simple downloadable food journal to count calories and record other important information to lose weight successfully.
Benefits of a Printable Food Diary
There are a few different ways to keep track of the food you eat each day. Some smart dieters use smartphone apps or websitesto track their calories and daily exercise. These tech-savvy methods work well for some. But a printable food journal provides unique benefits.
When you use a smartphone app or website to log your calories, you don't see your actual food log unless you choose to. Your smartphone may be turned off and tucked away in your purse or briefcase. And it's not likely that your computer screen will keep a food diary website on display.
But a food log printout can be posted in your kitchen where it is easy to see. That way it's hard to forget to log your food at meal time or when you grab a snack.
How to Use the Printable Food JournalWhen you see your daily calorie intake, the food diary might also nudge you to make lower calorie choices. And lastly, your food journal printout can serve as a reminder of the good food choices you've made throughout the day, week or month.
Step One: Click here to view and print your daily food diary.
Step Two: Record important nutrients for each food that you eat. You won't always be able to fill in each column, but try to gather as much information as possible for the foods that you eat. Calories matter most when it comes to weight loss, but getting enough of these essential nutrients will make it easier for you to slim down.
- Protein. Foods like lean meats, beans, and dairy products provide protein. Protein helps you to build muscle and also helps you to feel full after meals.
- Carbohydrate. Carbs provide energy so that you can stay active throughout the day. Good carbscan also provide important vitamins, minerals or fiber to build a strong and healthy body.
- Fat Healthy fats, like those in nuts, fish or plant-based oils are important for healthy cell function in your body
- Fiber When you eat foods that are high in fiber, you stay satisfied and feeling full for a longer period of time
Step Three: Add important lifestyle information. Record your daily exercise activities, your daily steps and your sleep data. Research shows that people who rest well at night and stay active during the day are more likely to lose weight and keep the pounds off. You should also record daily accomplishments - even if they are small. Giving yourself credit for all of the smart choices you make during the day will help keep you motivated throughout your weight loss journey.
Step Four: Analyze your weekly calorie deficit. If you eat the right number of calories each day, you should end the week with a calorie deficit. Use this printable form to track your progress from week to week. If you aren't losing enough weight each week, change your energy balance to make weight loss happen faster.
Tips for Using Your Food Journal Print Out
Keeping an organized food diary will help make your weight loss process more effective. But your food log won't always be perfect. Keep these tips in mind.
- Enter food data at mealtime. To get the most accurate information, try to enter nutrient information right away when you eat. It's hard to remember portion sizes and food data later in the day.
- Enter only what you eat. You don't have to eat each meal or snack listed on the food journal. For example, if you don't eat dessert, then don't fill in that row. Eating more often doesn't necessarily help you lose weight.
- Plan meals in advance. If you schedule meals ahead of time, you'll be prepared with calorie information. You can even enter the information in advance. Smart dieters prepare a week's worth of meals in an hour or two to make dieting more simple.
- Be patient. Remember that dieting is not an exact science. Sometimes it takes longer than expected to lose the weight you want to lose. Give yourself time and stick to the plan.
For best results, use your food journal on a regular basis. Keep each day's food log and each week's weight loss journal to evaluate along the way. Then make changes and adjustments to your caloric intake or your daily calorie expenditure to reach your goal weight.