Does anyone keep a food journal?

[lavenderdiva]

tracking your daily intake? Do you find it helps? I am thinking of starting one for myself.

About 15 years ago, I lost over 75lbs (gained it all back, plus some about 10 years ago, but I did manage to keep it off 5-6 years). While I was losing the weight then, I kept a meticulous food diary, mainly counting calories. I didn't track carbs, fats, and such, but I might include that in the one I will do now- especially carbs.

[MissMillie]

1. That's kind of what I'm doing w/ the daily menu posts

though I'm not really tracking calories. I'll explain why if you're interested. If not I'll just say that it's related to my surgery, and leave it at that.

[lavenderdiva]

2. please do explain, I'm interested!! n/t

[Longhorn]

3. I keep a food journal online as part of my WW membership.

It has really helped me a lot! It really is an eye-opener to see how many calories I can consume when I *feel* like I've hardly eaten anything. I'm staying honest with the journal, too, even if I have more than I should. So far, I haven't gone over my points for the week -- if I hadn't journaled, I would have felt like I had "blown" my diet so I find the journal a positive thing in this respect as well.

[Cassandra]

5. Same here but written

I have only used half my flex points each week. I've lost 4 pounds in two weeks and I look forward to losing some amount, however small, each week.

[auntAgonist]

4. I don't

but I do keep a running tab on how much protein I'm getting in. Some days I do better than others. Calorie counting never ever worked for me. I do watch the carb intake but that's about it. High protein all the way.