From big mick to fit mick - keeping a food and activity diary
By Mike Ashworth | January 8, 2010
When you are looking to lose weight, get fit and stay healthy you need to keep an eye on both what you eat and how much activity you are undertaking.
Why keep a food and activity diary?
- Increase awareness of your eating and activity habits and any problem areas.
- Writing it down as it happens will make you think twice about indulging in something that may not be beneficial to you.
- You may also choose to record how you are feeling at that time. It can be useful to understand if any food intake is linked to a particular way you are feeling (perhaps if you are stressed).
- It will help you see the changes you are making on your journey to fitness.
How to keep a diary
- Keep your diary with you and record what you eat and drink as you go.
- Record what you eat and drink in household measures e.g. 3 tablespoons cereal, 2 slices of bread, 1 large mug of milky tea.
- More detail the better.
- Make a note of where you ate, who with and how you were feeling.
- Ensure all activity captured, such as a 15 minute walk, vacuuming for half hour as well as more formal exercise such as a class at the gym.
You can download a template to print off at this link (pdf file - requires adobe acrobat to view)
If you are wondering what “from big mick to fit mick” is all about then please read this post about my wake up call re my health and also my goals
Topics: Health |