A Food Log lets you plan and record all the food you eat, see the calories you are consuming, compare it to the calories you are burning—and determine why you are gaining or losing weight. This food planning is one of the most important elements of exercising, whether the purpose is to lose weight or gain muscle mass.

Either way, a food log lets you keep track of your food intake and lets you know where your diet has to be modified. Used in conjunction with an Activity Workout Log, you can see how much exercise is needed to burn off the calories you have consumed. Since weight loss and gain is determined by the number of calories the body retains, these comparative numbers are especially important.

Food logs (also called diaries or journals) can also serve several other purposes. For the health enthusiast, they can help ensure you're eating a balanced diet. For those suffering from optical or ear, nose and throat disorders, a log can help pinpoint which foods may be causing symptoms of allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities. For new mothers, it’s a way to keep track of which solid foods you've introduced to an infant, especially, if you're keeping track of solid foods from an atopic family (a family with allergic symptoms). Regardless of your reason, keeping your food log is basically the same for all of us, with our own special traits in mind.

Choose the writing format that works best for you. If you usually make your daily notations into an electronic device, use that. Otherwise, use a daybook, planner or a diary and log your entries there. A pocket-sized notebook will also work.

If you eat at regular mealtimes, you may want to pre-label the pages. Allow spaces to write down the foods eaten and the times you ate them. Be sure to leave the facing pages blank. Write down the type of every food you eat, including brand names (for future reference), beverages, and frying oils. Note any garnishes, dressings, or additives. The goal is to be as complete as possible as soon after eating so that nothing is forgotten.
If you experience any kind of symptoms, like the burps, hives, or sweats, make a note of it on the page facing your most recent meal. Write a summary of symptoms and how they may relate to your past medical history. Though your physician is in the best position to determine what actually caused the symptoms, this is a good way for you to get to know more about your body.

Above all, keep in mind that a food log is not a substitute or replacement for your family physician or dietician. It is a supplement and an aid. If your doctor ever recommends that you audit your diet, with an existing food log, you’re one step ahead of the game.
If you find the writing process tiring or cumbersome, try going a little lighter on the details; it's better to skimp than to stop keeping the journal altogether. Remember, it’s better and healthier for you to have a short journal than none at all.

by Bruce Heath, DnC