AN APP A DAY TO KEEP THOSE POUNDS AWAY!
As we hit the month of January the majority of those dieting resolutions are quickly put to the sword before there effect can be seen. But here’s another sobering thought!
Did you know? People who keep a food diary are twice as likely to lose weight than those who don’t?
Becoming a high tech boot camper is easier than you think, and the results can be quite impressive. All you need is a little foresight and patience.
HAVING A CLEAR PLAN CAN WORK WONDERS
We all know having a clear goal can lead to the most wonderful discipline and determination taking shape, especially as we start to see the desired results coming in. We all feel better because we know our efforts have been worthwhile, and thinking about what we wanted to achieve has provided a big enough incentive. The fact is if you have a well thought out strategy in many areas of life, you are much more likely to succeed. It’s not just about trying to lose the weight, it’s about redefining the lifestyle changes necessary to put the ball firmly in the back of the net, and it doesn’t take much to put you on the road to glory.
THE RESEARCH IS ENCOURAGING
Study 1
Recent research carried out by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, looked at dieting methods among 123 overweight woman aged 50 to 75. They were staggered to discover women who wrote down what they are lost six pounds more (2.7kg) than those who did not. The study, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, concluded-
Actually missing out on meals was found to be counterproductive, as the individuals concerned ate small snacks instead. Meal skippers lost eight pounds less (3.6kg’s) than those who did not.
Study 2
The Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute’s Weight Management Initiative in Portland, United States has recommended food journalling as a strategy for losing weight since 2002. The Weight Management Initiative unites clinicians, researchers, insurers, and policymakers to identify practical, effective, non-surgical approaches for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Finding the right balance is crucial at all times, and this is where the beauty of the food diary really comes out. With the right information at your finger tips you could even balance out the right portions of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Making changes to meal composition can become second nature with increased energy and balance in mind.
BY KEEPING A RECORD OF YOUR EATING:
- You can measure your appetite and cravings.
- Calculate and record nutritional information such as calories, proteins, fibre and carbs.
- Take a closer look at your portion sizes.
- Focus on personal danger zones.
- Keep a record of your feelings both before and after eating.
- From this you can take a closer look at your reasons for eating apart from hunger – this can take in any stress you may be feeling or any particular emotions you can be feeling at any one time.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The fact is this can also take into account the beginnings or the solving of any underlying problems you may have. Remember boot campers – stress or worry can have an effect on even the fittest of athletes, and everything happening in the body has a knock on effect somewhere along the line. By using the App, you have a fantastic tool for the 21st century at your finger tips. You’ll soon see whenever you go off course slightly, and can make adjustments accordingly. In fact, once you start using the app, you’ll wonder how you coped without it.
THE BODY CLOCK SYNDROME
Most of us probably don’t give it a second thought but the time of day can have a big impact on how we eat and why? Your diary might begin to reveal high calorie foods being consumed in the early evening not long before bedtime. Once you’ve identified this pattern then you can begin to replace them with healthier foods or even stop yourself snacking by taking a walk or some other form of very light exercise. You can even record the information for your doctor or dietician who can help you further.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Keeping a diary is not just about the meals we have – it’s also about what we consume in terms of drinks. So always record this even if you just drink water, because you need to see the complete picture in terms of diet. And of course, make a note of the pattern following boot-camping or other forms of exercise as this will reveal a great deal about how well you’re doing. Remember this can also be about having fun and enjoying the whole process. It takes just a couple of minutes each day to check in and can bring a whole range of benefits in the long run. Our mobile phones and PC’s have become a big part of our lives, so why not use them as a force for good health. What you will see about your overall health picture will amaze you.
Conclusion
The evidence really does confirm keeping a food diary can change your life in the best possible way. If you’re embarking on a new healthy lifestyle and trying to shed excess pounds, then a food diary is a must. The App especially is a great tool when used correctly, and it won’t take up much of your time. So what are you waiting for? Get your food diary up and running, and your body will thank you for it. Start today, download our free app here!
refs:
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle.
The Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute’s Weight Management Initiative.