Supported by experts
Why food diaries work
You discover where you're going wrong with your eating. Members have often said that their food diary has been a complete revelation to them. Once you understand how the food you eat contributes to your daily energy allowance, you can start to make changes.
It's not about eating less, but eating smarter
Self awareness about what you're eating and how much re-educates you. By valuing your calories, you learn how to choose foods that make them go further. Because you make the changes, you develop new eating habits that you can keep up with.
Self monitoring is a proven way to lose weight
Many doctors and dietitians ask patients to keep a food diary as the simple act of monitoring what you eat has been proven to change behaviour. In fact a US study found that keeping a food diary can actually double weight loss!
The doctor's opinion
Leading UK weight loss expert Dr Ian Campbell says...
"Recording what you eat and drink is a powerful tool that helps my patients raise their self-awareness of what their diet's really like. Then it can help them make small changes to make it healthier and start the weight loss ball rolling.
The effectiveness of keeping a food diary is well known by health professionals and supported by clinical studies".
The fitness expert's opinion
Fitness expert Kelly Marshall MSc (Hons), BSc (Hons), CPT, CES, SFS, IFS, IIST, ADMT says...
"The consistency of balancing calories in versus calories out (through exercise and metabolic processes) is crucial in achieving weight loss - and then sustaining it long-term.
Exercise should become as much of a priority in your weekly schedule, as work appointments and doctor appointments are. Book workouts in your diary in the same way you do any other commitments."
Research has shown that adherence to regular exercise is significantly more successful when individuals plan ahead with diary-style appointment (Dishman, 1994; Rhodes et al, 1999).
The nutritionist's opinion
Boots Nutritionist Vicky Pennington says...
"This system is not just about weight loss - it is also extremely beneficial for anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of their diet and how to improve it and eat more healthily.
Understanding the impact of your food choices is crucial. Our food diary immediately shows where you are using your calories. It also tracks your fat and 5-a-day intake, alcohol consumption and how much water you're drinking. All very helpful pointers to assist you in eating better."
© 2013 BootsDiets
| * Price p/week | |
| BootsDiets | £1.70 |
| Tesco Diets | £2.32 |
| Weight Watchers | £2.53 |
| Rosemary Conley | £4.26 |
| Slimming World | £4.65 |
* Equivalent weekly price based on 3 months or closest available period. Checked on 15 May 13
