write everything you eat down-

[tankini]

Log everything you eat in a daily food diary, ESPECIALLY on days that you screw up or splurge. This really makes you aware of what you are doing... I am not saying you shouldn't have that Peking Duck. I am saying, at least know what having the Peking Duck means...

[treehuggertodd]

I couldn't agree more. Writing everything down helps to give you a much clearer idea of what you're actually putting into your body. It can help you to see trends, quantities, and specifics that aren't as easy to understand when you try to go by memory alone - or worse, not considering it at all.

[suzie]

I found that this was a really helpful thing to do when I first started my diet. I don't do it anymore because I've almost "programmed" my brain to keep track after writing everything down for a while. It's really a great educational tool, especially while you're just learning the ropes to your diet.

[tankini]

I don't do it anymore because I've almost "programmed" my brain to keep track after writing everything down for a while.

For sure, I am the same way too now. I only eat a certain array of foods these days, and I know darn well where I am at with each of them

[Lydiapurple]

Yep I too started off writing everything down, down to the last drop of olive oil I cooked with. Now I am a little more lax, just because I have most things memorized

[legendarytroy]

If you get an app for your smartphone that lets you log all of your food, then you'll always have something with you and you can keep up with your entries.

I always used to find that the worst struggle with keeping a food record was that I'd have to write it all down when I got home at night, and I just wasn't motivated enough to keep it up.

[steve_ross]

I think i phone has apps for this too.