Re-Establishing Our Routines
It may be hard to believe, but fall is already well on its way. Although it's sad to see summer go, there are so many wonderful things to look forward to in the autumn season... such as fall recipes, yummy!
To many people, fall means that we are returning back to our and our families' school and work routines. This also provides a great opportunity for us to re-establish our personal routines after a busy summer.
Re-establishing our personal routines gives us a great opportunity to be mindful about our health goals moving forward. As such, this week I'm going to talk about how food journaling can help set us up for success as we work towards our health goals...
To many people, fall means that we are returning back to our and our families' school and work routines. This also provides a great opportunity for us to re-establish our personal routines after a busy summer.
Re-establishing our personal routines gives us a great opportunity to be mindful about our health goals moving forward. As such, this week I'm going to talk about how food journaling can help set us up for success as we work towards our health goals...
How Do Food Journals Help?
So, what exactly do food journals help us do? How do they make such a big difference regarding what we put into our bodies, and our overall health?
First, they can be a big help for tracking things like how many fruits & veggies we're eating, if we're getting enough protein and carbs for fuel, and if we're consuming an adequate amount of healthy fats.
They also help us become more conscious of what we're eating, and how different foods may affect us.
Overall, journaling can help us make better choices and plan our meals accordingly. When we keep track of what we put into our body, as well as how it makes us feel, it is far easier to monitor our habits and our progress. When things are written down and organized, it is far easier to be aware of it, rather than trying to keep track of it mentally while rushing to work or dropping kids off at school!
If you're a part of the Simple Swaps program, I can also use information from food journals to help guide clients through weight loss plateaus. This also gives clients an additional layer of accountability, win-win!
First, they can be a big help for tracking things like how many fruits & veggies we're eating, if we're getting enough protein and carbs for fuel, and if we're consuming an adequate amount of healthy fats.
They also help us become more conscious of what we're eating, and how different foods may affect us.
Overall, journaling can help us make better choices and plan our meals accordingly. When we keep track of what we put into our body, as well as how it makes us feel, it is far easier to monitor our habits and our progress. When things are written down and organized, it is far easier to be aware of it, rather than trying to keep track of it mentally while rushing to work or dropping kids off at school!
If you're a part of the Simple Swaps program, I can also use information from food journals to help guide clients through weight loss plateaus. This also gives clients an additional layer of accountability, win-win!
Different Food Journaling Methods
Some people prefer taking a pen to paper, while others find it convenient to use an app such as MyFitnessPal. It's all a matter of personal preference!
Whatever your preferred method, I highly recommend tracking your food for at least the first 30 days. If you have big goals, you may want to consider tracking for at least 60 days. Our bodies are the way they are because of how we have supported them, or not, over a long period of time. It takes time to accomplish goals, so tracking can help.
Last but not least, I find it highly beneficial to pay attention to how you feel after you eat. Notice which foods make you feel good and energized and which foods make you feel sluggish, bloated, gassy, tired, light-headed or give you brain fog after a short time. Every body is different. What works for some, may not work for you.
Many people are sensitive to something that can cause unnecessary side effects or reactions, so paying close attention to how you feel is key. Foods that don't agree with us can cause sometimes cause inflammation, which can also hinder weight loss. Often people are eating very healthy, but aren't aware that something they are eating might be the cause of them feeling off.
Just because a food is healthy, don't mean it's healthy for you & your unique body. By understanding this and realizing that each of us are one of a kind, it can be a huge eye opener when you discover which foods work for you, and which don't! Food journaling can help with all of this.
Whatever your preferred method, I highly recommend tracking your food for at least the first 30 days. If you have big goals, you may want to consider tracking for at least 60 days. Our bodies are the way they are because of how we have supported them, or not, over a long period of time. It takes time to accomplish goals, so tracking can help.
Last but not least, I find it highly beneficial to pay attention to how you feel after you eat. Notice which foods make you feel good and energized and which foods make you feel sluggish, bloated, gassy, tired, light-headed or give you brain fog after a short time. Every body is different. What works for some, may not work for you.
Many people are sensitive to something that can cause unnecessary side effects or reactions, so paying close attention to how you feel is key. Foods that don't agree with us can cause sometimes cause inflammation, which can also hinder weight loss. Often people are eating very healthy, but aren't aware that something they are eating might be the cause of them feeling off.
Just because a food is healthy, don't mean it's healthy for you & your unique body. By understanding this and realizing that each of us are one of a kind, it can be a huge eye opener when you discover which foods work for you, and which don't! Food journaling can help with all of this.
Simple Wins:
"I’m grateful for all the recipes Cheryl and the ideas from all of you.
I am feeling better, more aware of what I’m putting into my body and looking forward to getting into some old jeans I’ve been saving."
-Simple Swaps Member Tammy
"I’m grateful for all the recipes Cheryl and the ideas from all of you.
I am feeling better, more aware of what I’m putting into my body and looking forward to getting into some old jeans I’ve been saving."
-Simple Swaps Member Tammy
Want To Learn More?
| Do you want to learn more about food journaling and how it can help keep your health goals on track? Do you want to learn more about the Simple Swaps program, and how food journaling fits into it? I'd love for you to book a free health coaching call. I want to find out what you are struggling with and give you my best tips to start you on a journey toward a lean and healthy body for life. Click on the button below to book your free call now. |  |