Food Diary Helps to Lose Weight

A recent study found that women who kept a food diary while on a weight-loss program lost more weight as compared to those who did not. In addition, weight loss was more in those who did not skip meals or eat lunch out in restaurants. The study was carried out in 123 overweight or obese post-menopausal women aged 50 to 75 years who were on a weight-loss program. The women followed diets which provided 1200 to 2000 calories per day. They were taught to measure potions and calculate serving sizes to estimate the total intake.

At the end of one year, the researchers found that women who maintained a food diary lost nearly 6 pounds more than those who did not maintain one.

Women who ate out regularly or skipped meals lost less weight in comparison to those who didn’t. People who skipped meals may be more likely to follow up with high-calorie snacks or meals, which explains the lack of adequate weight loss.

Keeping a food diary makes people aware of what they are eating and more accountable and responsible for the same. The researchers advocate three methods to assist weight reduction programs, keep a food diary, do not eat lunch out often, and do not skip meals.


Reference:
http://news.bio-medicine.org/?q=medicine-news-1/want-to-lose-weight-3f-keep-a-food-journal--dont-skip-meals-and-avoid-going-out-to-lunch-92612

Source-Medindia