Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy is to keep a diet diary.

Why?

One of the fundamental subjects of Limes & Lycopene is eating well. Food provides us with the nutrients and energy to live well and be healthy. The way you eat directly affects your energy levels.

If you have a diet that’s full of fruit and vegetables, regular protein and small amounts of carbohydrates you are going to have more energy than if you’re heavily reliant on junk food, chocolate and soft drinks.

While changing to more healthy eating habits is vital for boosting energy levels, it can often seem overwhelming. Most people want to eat well, but find it hard to know exactly what to do and how to change. Diet improvements are then relegated to the “too-hard” basket and no change occurs.

One of the best ways to start improving your diet, is by knowing what you’re eating now and being more conscious of your diet.

In clinic I regularly ask clients to keep a diet diary for two weeks as the first phase of their treatment. By writing down everything you eat you can spot patterns; get a clearer picture of what you’re doing now and start tweaking and changing.

Today’s task

Today’s task is actually spread over several days and it’s to keep a diet diary for a week. While it’s interesting to keep a diary of what you eat for one day, it’s more useful to do it for a full seven day period. Write down everything you eat, including the time you ate it and be honest.

At the end of the week you’ll have more awareness of what you’re eating and when you get hungry. You’ll also be better placed to spot the times and situations your good intentions fall over.

Feel free to report back at the end of the week and let me know how you’ve found the process of keeping a diet diary. What have you spotted about your own diet and how would you like to change that?

August is 31 Days to Better Energy month here at Limes & Lycopene. If you’d like to know more or view the full range of tasks, then take a look at the introductory post.

28 August, 2007