If you want to lose body fat as fast as possible, you need to be keeping a food log. I know it’s kind of a pain in the a@@ … that it requires brutal honestly, even if only with yourself … but at the end of the day, it works!
To prove my point, check out this reference to a recent research study from easy-weightloss-tips.com:
Keeping a food log or weight loss journal can actually double the number of pounds an individual loses, according to a recent study printed in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine and reported by Nanci Hellmich of USA Today.
Over 1600 obese adults participated in the study that was conducted at four separate clinical research facilities around the country.
In addition to being encouraged to utilize the weight loss journal to record daily caloric intake and exercise, participants were also offered optional weekly sessions with nutritionists and behavior counselors.
Study participants did not have to follow a particular diet but they were asked to reduce their caloric intake by 500 calories a day. A diet heavily infused with fruits and vegetables was recommended along with moderately intense exercise, of at least 180 minutes each week.After six months it was obvious that the dieters who kept food logs lost twice as much weight as those who chose not to. In addition, dieters who attended support sessions lost more weight than those who did not; and participants who regularly exercised lost more weight than their sedentary counterparts.
NOW – when it comes to the tool(s) you use to actually log your food, here are the two options I suggest:
- Use a web-based food tracking tool. Benefits of this approach include ease of recording (many integrate with a mobile device) and more detailed/accurate tracking of calorie intake/macronutrient profiles/etc. I have walk-thru guides for four different tracking tools posted at FVTCoachingClub.com
- Use a simple written log. I personally prefer this method … it’s just simpler and there’s something intangible about actually writing down what you’re eating on paper. AND – if you decide to go this route – I have a cool free gift to help you out!
The new and improved FVT Nutrition Tracker
It’s a simple, one-page PDF format document that includes spaces for:
- Food item
- Approximate portion size
- Homemade, store bought or restaurant
- Has food label?
- Emotional status when consumed
Click the link below to download a FREE copy of the new FVT Nutrition Tracker now:
=== >>> 2012 FVT Food Log
That’s it for today – keep training hard and talk soon!
Forest