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....