Writing in a food journal has many benefits. For our purpose here, I recommend that you write down what you are eating so that you can be real with yourself and your wellness team, what is happening within your body, and how you are reacting to the foods you are eating. If drinking water is difficult for you, keep track of that. You can even track your workouts.
I’ve seen some food journals that are so complicated that it feels overwhelming, but for some people, that may be aligned with the sense of motivation and detail you need. You can track sleep, mood, etc. If you don’t have time, just keeping track on your phone is an easy way to know what you are consuming.
It wasn’t until I started my own food diary that I truly saw the impact food had on me. I could easily see which foods were making me feel more bloated. I also noticed that my meal times were all over the place because I didn’t want to spend time pacing out my days in an already full life. I was always on the go, doing the best I can. I could barely remember the last meal I ate. You can decide to keep track of your eating in a food journal when you are having health issues. It’s something that you can refer back to.
This shows a commitment and valuing of your health that will automatically help you. When you start paying attention, you will notice and be more mindful in your actions. It’s a beautiful form of self-care that will help you on your health journey.
