I've often heard about the benefits of food journaling, whether one's goal is to lose/maintain weight or to simply keep track of what's going into the body. As what's known as a "grazer", I thought it would be difficult to record my daily intake, since I eat small things frequently throughout the day. It's just as important for grazers to pay attention to their intake, though, because when it comes down to it, it's not just the frequency but the quality of the food eaten that can make a difference. It's so easy to eat a handful here and there, not noticing how they add up, and if those handfuls are loaded with M&Ms, potato chips, and chocolates, it defeats the purpose. My goal is not to count calories, or become anal about my eating habits. I really have no goal at the moment but to continue my regular eating habits with healthier alterations when needed. I've always liked the idea of a food journal, as it's just another way of holding up a mirror and gaining a more objective view of yourself.
- 1 demitasse espresso with 3 tsp sugar
- 1 banana
Afternoon
- 2 small glasses of a fresh fruit smoothie (just bananas, strawberries, pineapple chunks and ice)
- leftover ground turkey, green beans and rice (8 oz) mixed with poached egg and sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup granola
Evening
- penne pasta with basil sauce, topped with 1/2 cup reduced fat feta cheese
- slice of homemade bread with honey
Interestingly, I feel like I ate a ton today, but that's really not that much! Most of my intake was in the afternoon... probably because I had class all morning and afternoon, so when I got home I was STARVING. I did eat a LOT of pasta tonight, though, which is a pretty bad habit I can't seem to break. For someone who rallies for portion control, I could take a lesson (or twelve) in reducing my pasta portions. *eye roll* I can't recall the last time I ever had leftover pasta.
