Losing weight is difficult – it takes a lot of effort over a long time. The objective is to eat fewer calories, but simply trying to avoid excess calories rarely works. Keeping track of everything you eat and drink and adding them up is a necessary step to take. And keeping a food diary might be helpful.
Studies show it trains you to be mindful of what you consume and helps adjust behavior. But many of us find it annoying and time consuming, so we won’t try.
However, smartphones and food-logging apps allow for a much easier way to record meals. A new study showed that those who were diligent found greater success, losing 5-10% of bodyweight over the course of six months.
For the best chance of success, researchers say log food right after you eat, rather than at the end of the day, and you’ll have a better idea of your daily calorie balance.
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