by Reid Case

Created on: September 20, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

Let's face it, besides the incredibly lucky, most of us have had to maintain a regimented diet at some point in our lives. Not every diet is intended for weight loss, some people must diligently adhere to a specific diet to merely stay alive. In these cases, very specific foods must be prepared to avoid complications from diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. In any case, the first notion of a diet brings up thoughts and memories of disgusting and bland foods, strict calorie counting, and an overall low moral concerning the entire affair. However, these negative associations can be avoided if a well planned diet is compiled.

Let us look at one of the most overlooked aspects of a well planned diet. That is the food journal, that little black book of culinary networking and victual phone numbers.

To break the mundane cycle of dieting, obvious insertions of variety is the cure. Most of us, when faced with a task, tend to adopt a monotonous approach to solving that problem. Dieting is no exception. How is it that we can break this degrading pattern? Simply put, while considering the goals of your diet, take notes. On your next trip out, purchase a cheap and easy to carry notepad or journal. Choose something with character, nothing boring and macabre, unless that is your preference. While planning this diet, place these notes in the journal, cut and paste potential recipes, and make weekly schedules. Even include a small reference to calorie and nutritional counts of some common foods found in restaurants and the like. This journal is both your dietary bible and a log of your intake.

For someone with very specific dietary requirements, this journal will assist in planning, but will also stand as a record for future reference. For others, it may serve as motivation for further perseverance. As you look back, wondering to yourself, "Why have I not lost weight?" or "Why do I always feel so lethargic?" or for the athlete, "Where are those performance gains from this crazy diet?" and "When will they kick in?" take a look at your journal. This book holds testament, if truthfully updated, to your snacking and consumption practices. Maybe your goals are not being met because you have strayed from the diet, yet cannot admit to this departure.

It is hard to keep up with a strict regimen without accountability. A food journal serves as a record, a guide, and also an accountability partner.

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