Write Off the Extra Weight

By drodriguez Dec 17, 2008

Here come the holidays, which means here come the cookies, cakes, and all other things decadently dangerous. If you are worried about putting on extra pounds this season you may want to check out a new study recently published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

The new research has proven that people who keep diaries describing their daily food intake lost more weight than those who did not. The study followed almost 1,700 overweight and obese adult men and women throughout the country. All of the subjects were encouraged to limit their caloric intake, take part in weekly group sessions, exercise, and keep a food journal.

The senior investigator of the study, Victor Stevens was recently featured in a Time Magazine article about the study. He reported, “Hands down, the most successful weight-loss measure was keeping a record of what you eat.”

The study, which spanned a six-month period, showed that participants who kept a food diary between 6 and 7 days a week lost on average 18 pounds. This was double what non-diary keepers lost.

The concept of losing more weight by keeping track of exactly what you ingest all day makes sense. It can really make a person think about the amount of food they eat and whether most of it is actually good for them. It can also make a person more conscious of the labels on the back of the package detailing the fat and cholesterol count. And, at the end of the day you are well aware that you will have to face the truth staring back at you in that journal. Stevens talks about how a person may think about eating that extra cookie “but you didn’t want it to show up on the diary at the end of the day.”

What do you think about keeping a food journal as a way to stay healthy?

Is this something you might consider trying to keep the extra holiday weight off?

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Comments

by 4roosters | Waukesha, WI

Dec 18, 2008

This truly works. The hardest part is being honest with yourself and writing down every thing that goes into your mouth. It keeps you on track of what you should eat and how much naughty things you ate. I believe its OK to have a sinful snack now and then but this is a good way of telling yourself you had enough. In 3 months I lost 20 pounds.

by jenndta69 | SHERMAN OAKS, CA

Dec 18, 2008

Keeping a diary does work. Three years ago, I lost about 75 pounds. I have managed to keep most of it off. Over the last year I have had two knee surgeries (one a complete replacement) so I gained I few pounds. For me, I have found if I just jot down quickly what I'm eating and how many calories the food is, I am dropping the weight again. It's easier when you actually know what your putting in your mouth. At the very least, you think twice before you eat something you should not eat. Good luck all and happy holidays...Watch the cookies, LOL

by natcoleandliamsmom | CANYON LAKE, CA

Dec 17, 2008

I have found that keeping a food diary has helped me not only keep track of what I shouldn't be eating, but also the foods that I should be eating (dairy, vitamins, water, veggies, fruits, etc.).

by am_i_lost | Centralia, IL

Dec 17, 2008

I've tried it before and it does work. But they are a lot or "work". You really have to stick to it like you would any diet. What I have found also really works for me with snacks is to get a small bowl or plate and just a few in it not take the whole box or bag along. I'm willing to try about anything to shed a few pounds...lol..and be healthy too!! Great!

by Minni436 | Tonawanda, NY

Dec 17, 2008

Keeping a food diary is a good way to track what is being eaten. It is there in writing and cannot be denied. If you are trying to keep track in your head it is easy to forget about somethings. It is a good way to keep yourself honest.