5 Steps to Getting Started with a Food+Mood Journal
Are you having issues with your health and would like to pinpoint what could be the cause? If so, Food+Mood Journaling is where it’s at!!
Write down what you are eating/drinking, and make sure to note the time. (You can use the notes app on your phone or a notebook!)
Set an alarm on your phone for 1 to 2 hours to see how you feel after your meal.
Record your:
Energy Level
Digestion
Mood
Hunger level
Stool type (this matters -click here to see what they mean)
Don’t change how you eat. We can tend to try to eat a bit better if we write things down and know we will examine them. Be honest with yourself. Know that this is a great tool that will serve you well.
Commit to at least 7 days. With this amount of time, you have enough information to reflect and spot any issues you might have had. From there you’ll be able to identify what needs to change and also what you can keep the same. For example, you may notice that you have some digestive issues after having a certain food. Or your energy decreases after eating a certain meal. Or maybe you’re hungry within an hour of eating. All this information is key to take into consideration as you start to make any necessary changes.
Here are some tips that will help you evaluate your week.
Does each meal contain a balanced ratio of macronutrients, i.e. you have a plate with protein, fat & carbs? (Not sure where to start with this? Check out this blog to get started building a balanced plate.)
Is there any way that the quality of your choices can be better? (If you’re wondering how to go about finding good brands at the grocery store, look no further than my Grocery Store Guide here.)
Did you hydrate with enough quality water every day? (Here are some quick tips for staying properly hydrated.)
Be a detective when it comes to figuring out what’s really going on with your health. Food+Mood Journaling is a great way to start this process! You never know- maybe you’ll pinpoint a surprising factor that contributes to an uncomfortable health challenge and finally have a starting point for how to address it. Not only does Food+Mood Journaling help you identify foods that are great for you, it also helps you find those that aren’t so great (at least at this point in time).
So, if you’re feeling down about your health, I encourage you to experiment with Food+Mood Journaling to see how it can help you take back control of your everyday choices by nourishing your body with the best food you possibly can. As always, take it one step at a time, and be sure to celebrate the small wins along the way. What are you waiting for? Give it a try! Download a free 7-Day Food+Mood Journal here.
