Dear Alice,
What is the point of tracking my food on a food log? I eat pretty much the same foods every day, and I am losing consistently. Is it really necessary to write everything down?
Signed,
Can’t Be Bothered to Track
Dear Can’t Be Bothered,
Tracking your food intake is definitely important - even when things are going well. Studies show that people eat up to 500 more calories per day than they think! One research study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that on average, adults underestimate their calorie consumption by up to 25 percent. Of course, if you are following a food plan and losing weight well, that percentage will be lower, but writing it all down still brings the extra calories to your awareness. This way, if your weight loss does taper off, you will know exactly how to fix the problem.
Also, when we are dieting successfully, we tend to think that we will be on plan forever, and that we have finally kicked the “overeating” bug once and for all. But usually, our old habits are lurking just under the surface. Developing positive new habits such as logging our food will help combat this! Studies show that keeping a detailed food log is the number one habit that helped dieters keep weight off for the long term.
Did you know that Tanya has been tracking her food for 14 years? No one even reads her logs, while you have the benefit of your nutrition counselor reading it with you.
So, go ahead and write down every bite (and sip) - even if it sometimes feels repetitive!
Best,
Alice
Alice Harrosh is a Nutrition Counselor and Manager at Nutrition by Tanya, with 14 locations, including one on Main street in Queens! Alice knows that making healthy choices is not always easy, as she has been through the struggle herself. As an optimistic person, Alice’s favorite quote is: “It’s never too late to start eating better. If you have a bad morning, make it a better afternoon.” For more information on Nutrition by Tanya or the TAP (Tanya approved products) food line, please visit www.nutritionbytanya.com or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, you may follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram. Our beautiful and healthy new cookbook, Cooking with Tanya, is now available in Judaica stores or through the Menucha Publishing website.
