There seems to be a craze over recording everything that happens in your life. Tracking what we eat is just one of the many things that have become extremely popular.
So how can we keep track of what we eat without spending excessive time or becoming obsessed?
Here are some things that you can do to make sure that you’re successful in tracking your meals.
1) Trust your body to tell you things.
A good time to start eating is right before you might get a little cranky or moody. If your stomach physically feels like you can’t hold another bite of food, then it’s best to finish that meal. Try to learn to rely on your body to tell you when to start and stop eating.
2) Take pictures of your food.
Not only is this a great way to remind yourself of what you ate and how you ate it, but it’s proof that you’re eating in a great way. Sure, you’re friends might think that you post your meals too often, but it isn’t about them. This is about you.
3) Tracking your food isn’t the only thing you should record.
Tracking your feelings while you eat throughout the day can greatly benefit you, as well. If you have room, try to also mention how you feel during the day. The food that you eat can say a lot about your emotions.
Food tracking doesn’t always require another separate day planner with markers, stickers and washi tape. You can keep track of your daily meals in a small blank notebook or planner just as well.
Recording what you eat and drink right before or after a meal can be helpful. If you are using a notebook to plan out your meals, try your best to stick to what you put down. Straying away from it can cause you to eat more than you initially planned.
Our phones are also packed with endless possibilities when it comes to tracking what we eat. Using an app on your phone can help you record more details on your meals without it being too time-consuming. Download a new app or two and see which one works best with your daily schedule.
Phones can be great for reminders as well, especially when it comes to drinking water. Setting up certain times of the day for your phone to go off to can help you make sure that you're drinking the right amount of water a day, or even eating smaller meals more often.
No matter how you track your meals, the outcome can be very helpful to your health. Tracking what you eat can show you a lot about your eating habits and help you create more balanced meals in the future.Make your food work for you as you move toward a healthier lifestyle.
Reviewed April 1, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith