Food journaling....when to?

When to food journal? Recently, I observed a change in my body physically. As a professional in the fitness field that can be depressing. As is this for any person, but as a fitness professional it can really take a mental hit on your body mentally. The best advice that I can individual who is upset about their weight gain is to journal their nutrition. What is it that you are putting into your body? How much are you putting into your body? All calories are not equal so it is important that you will take into account what is your caloric intake and caloric expenditure daily. Before we can decided what changes we need to make, we need to see that food journal. So when is it that a food journal would be helpful. I have created my top 10 list!

1. If you lie to yourself about your portion control.
2. If you have hit a plateau.
   
3. If you eat when you are not hungry and it keeps you from achieving your goal.
   
4. If you are not sure if the food combining you are currently doing is working.
5. If your trainer says so!
6. If you snack all day.
7. If you gain weight.
8. If you lose weight.
9. If you are starting a new training program.
10. If you are training for an event. (marathon, half marathon, sporting event, bodybuilding competition, etc)

Now, what do you do with the food journal? How can the food journal help you achieve your goals?

Continued....

Today I am normally off other than training a few people, but I decided to sub a class for one of my instructors. It was so much fun to do a little cardio, some weights and have friend to enjoy the workout with. I found myself encouraging people to reach their personal best. So I started thinking about it and came to a realization...many people just go through the motions and don't really think about what they are doing. If people would just slow it down a notch and really focus on what they are doing, then they would reach the results that they want to achieve. So many of us that work out on a regular basis tend to just go through the motions. The next time that you workout, just take a few minutes to think about what you are doing and what you want to accomplish. Give your workout everything that it deserves. Don't sell yourself short. Push your body to your limits. Sure you need to listen to your body and not over exert yourself, but give your muscles, lungs and psychy what it needs. You can do it! Have a happy and healthy day!