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What are some common mistakes people make when keeping a food diary?

Cindy Lonsdale

Well, well, well, what do we have here? Someone wants to know what some common mistakes people make when keeping a food diary? Well, let me tell you, my friend, there are plenty of mistakes to be made when it comes to tracking your meals and snacks. But don't worry, I'm here to give you the inside scoop on what not to do.

First and foremost, one of the most common mistakes people make when keeping a food diary is not being honest with themselves. Let's face it, we all have those moments where we indulge in a little too much cake or down a few too many glasses of wine. But if you're not putting those things down in your food diary, you're really only cheating yourself. Remember, the purpose of keeping a food diary is to get a clear idea of what you're consuming, so be honest with yourself!

Another mistake people make is not being consistent. Some days you may forget to track your breakfast or just plain ol' don't feel like it. But the problem with this is that it skews your data and makes it harder for you to see patterns or make changes that will benefit you down the line. So, stay consistent with your tracking, even if it's just a quick jot down of what you ate.

On a similar note, don't forget the details! It's not enough to just write down "salad" for lunch. What kind of salad was it? What dressing did you use? Did you add croutons or cheese? These seemingly small details play a big role in the overall picture of your food intake, so make sure you're noting everything.

One mistake that I, for one, am guilty of is not tracking snacks. It's easy to remember the big meals, but what about that handful of chips you grabbed from the office snack stash or the piece of chocolate you snuck from your coworker's desk? These little bites can add up quickly, so make sure you're tracking them too.

Lastly, don't forget the purpose of keeping a food diary in the first place. It's not about restricting yourself or feeling guilty about what you're eating. It's about being mindful and aware of what you're putting into your body and using that knowledge to make healthier choices. So, don't beat yourself up if you have a slip-up or two. Just use your food diary as a tool to make better choices moving forward.

And there you have it! Some common mistakes to avoid when keeping a food diary. So go forth, my friend, and track your eats with confidence!