The Long Lost Weight Loss Tool...

Is none other than a pencil/pen and a notebook...that's right...a food journal.  I've got some tips for helping to keep an accurate and up to date journal.

Tips

1. Record as close to mealtime as possible.  You are less likely to forget what you had to eat and drink  5 minutes after you ate or drank it versus 5 hours after.
2. Accurately record portion sizes.  Don't fudge them because that's not going to help your diet any.  And then you're left feeling guilty because even though you fudged it and your record doesn't show that you had it...you know you had it.
3. Write down everything.  Every...little...crumb.  It does add up.
4. Take your journal everywhere.  It helps you keep a much more accurate log if you have it handy.  Buying an actual small size notebook that you can put in your purse, pocket, or glove compartment works well.  It's much better than having papers scattered everywhere.

 It's easy to eat more than you plan to and keeping a journal helps you to see exactly what you've had.  If you know you have to write it down you may be less likely to eat that candy bar or bag of potato chips.  Keeping a food journal reinforces knowledge and awareness, just like taking notes in high school or college.  Food journalism is one of the oldest tools used in weight loss.  It is also one of the first recommended by nutritionists.  The only person standing in the way of your success is you.  So get yourself a notebook and start keeping a food journal.  See where it leads you.