3 Reasons Why Meal Logging Increases Diet Success
Meal logging, or keeping a record of what you eat and drink throughout the day, is a popular tool among people looking to lose weight. While it may seem tedious and time-consuming, research has shown that meal logging can be an effective way to achieve weight loss goals.
A study published by the Obesity Society examined the effects of self-monitoring through meal logging on weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. The study followed 142 participants over six months, during which they were encouraged to log their meals and snacks in a digital food diary.
The results of the study showed that those who consistently logged their meals and snacks lost more weight than those who did not. In fact, participants who logged their food intake at least 3 days per week lost an average of 8.4% of their initial body weight, compared to just 5.3% for those who did not log their food intake regularly.
Continue reading to learn why meal logging contributes to higher success rates for dieters:
1. Increased Awareness and Accountability
When you log your meals, you become more aware of what you eat and drink. This increased awareness can help you make healthier choices throughout the day. You may be less likely to reach for that mid-afternoon candy bar if you know you will have to record it in your food diary.
Additionally, keeping a record of your food intake holds you accountable for what you eat. It can be easy to forget about the extra handful of chips you snacked on or the sugary drink you had with lunch, but when you have to write it down, it becomes much harder to ignore.
2. Identification of Problem Areas
Meal logging can also help you identify problem areas in your diet. Perhaps you are consuming more calories at dinner than you realized, or you are snacking more than you thought. By reviewing your food diary, you can identify these patterns and make changes accordingly.
3. Motivation and Tracking Progress
Finally, meal logging can be a great source of motivation. Seeing the progress you have made can be incredibly rewarding, and tracking your meals can help you stay on track toward your weight loss goals. Additionally, having a record of your meals can help you identify what has worked well for you in the past and make adjustments to your diet as needed.
Of course, there are some potential downsides to meal logging. For some people, it can become obsessive or trigger disordered eating behaviors. It is important to approach meal logging in a balanced and healthy way and to talk to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
In conclusion, meal logging can be a powerful tool for weight loss. Increasing awareness and accountability, identifying problem areas, and providing motivation by seeing your progress can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. If you are looking to lose weight, consider giving meal logging a try – you may be surprised at the results.
A lot of this is easier said than done, so if you need additional guidance and accountability to hit your goals, why not set up a free coaching consult to see if 1:1 coaching is right for your goals?
