Keep a food diary

If you are old school like me and prefer pen & paper or you like apps then download myfitnesspal

Many people begin the new year with a goal to improve their health. This often starts with changing what they eat.

A food diary can be a useful tool for this journey. It can help you understand your eating habits and patterns, and help you identify the foods — good and not-so-good — you eat on a regular basis. Research shows that for people interested in losing weight, keeping a food diary can be a very effective tool to help change behaviour.

Jotting down where you’re eating, what else you’re doing while you’re eating, and how you’re feeling while eating can help you understand some of your habits and offer additional insight.

After completing 1 week, step back and look at what you’ve recorded. Search for any trends, patterns, or habits.

For example, you might consider:

• How healthy is my diet?

• Am I eating vegetables and fruit every day?

• If so, how many servings?

• Am I eating whole grains each day?

• Am I eating foods or beverages with added sugar?

• If so, how frequently?

• Do my moods affect my eating habits?

• Do I reach for unhealthy snacks when I’m tired or stressed?

  How often do I eat on the run?

Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, set one or two healthy eating goals for yourself for the upcoming week.

Small changes each week will lead to big results.