Do you have a desire to lessen your life stressors? Get more sleep? How about improving your diet, losing weight or cutting calories? You know you want to and need to make better eating choices.
So what does it take? Commitment to Positive Change. And that takes effort. In other words, it’s walking the talk, one step at a time.
Here’s one simple commitment step — daily journaling (documenting) your food and drink intake. And let me tell you, it’s an eye opener for most.
Many years ago, I had to start counting carbohydrates, because as a Type 1 diabetic, my insulin requirements were based upon the amount of carbohydrates, I ate or drank. Just this last year, I obtained an insulin pump which is such a blessing, but a lot more work. And yes, it now involves complete journaling of my food intake. So, trust me when I tell you there is no better (or “bitter”) “truth” pill than keeping a journal.
Whether it is to help identify the reasons you may be overeating (such as, stress, emotions, hunger, boredom), or to count calories and monitor food intake, journaling is a straightforward, illuminating process that provides you with a wealth of information to review and learn from.
Are you indulging in too many calories daily? Are you reaching for “white” foods full of simple sugars? Are you eating nutritiously, paying attention to recommended nutrients and their quantities? Are you reading the nutrition facts panel on packaged foods and taking note? It’s surprising how calorie-dense some foods are. So, it’s easy to understand how not paying attention to what you eat can lead to stealthy weight gain — calories and food intake go up, physical activity goes down, and girth expands.
The effort to commit to positive change through journaling can become a life-long, self-exploratory journey to healthy habits and outcomes. Why not pick up a notebook or diary today and make that first entry.
Send me your tips or experiences with journaling . I’d love to know how it’s helped you with your own commitments to positive change.
Michele
