We have different goals. Mine is to lose a few pounds, hers to get her cholesterol under control. Although it's only been a few days, keeping the journals has already started to have a good effect on me.
I used to steal a snack here and there without giving it much thought. But now that I have to record every bite, I haven't been snacking as much. Faced with the hassle of taking notes throughout the day or trying to recall all my snacks come evening, I find I'd rather not have the snacks after all.
Also, it's embarrassing to have someone else know just how many random string cheeses, chips, or pieces of candy I might eat on a given day.
I find I'm also less likely to grab a late-night snack after dinner (I know, I snack a lot!) like tea and a cookie, because my nightly e-mail has already been sent.
Another bonus: I like to see what other people eat. And I've always admired my mom's way of eating, which is simple and full of enjoyment.
A sample of our food journal exchanges:
Mine:
5-inch piece of baguette, with thin scrape of butter
1 small piece Jarslberg cheese
1 soft-boiled egg
6 baby carrots
Black tea
Bento box -
1 small piece Jarslberg cheese
1 soft-boiled egg
6 baby carrots
Black tea
Bento box -
Rice, Asian greens, 1 small chicken thigh,
1 small piece salmon, Tofu skin/mushroom/carrot stir fry
Grapes and blueberries
1 small can V8
4 slices mango
2 slices baguette with hummus
Ramen with spinach, bok choy, green onions
Poached egg
Pickled cucumbers, fried gluten, chili oil bamboo
1/2 glass red wine
6 slices mango
My mom's:
1/2 pink grapefruit
4 slices of french bread, toasted
1 hard-boiled egg
black tea
6 pieces of sushi roll ( from Costco)
leftover bento food
black tea
1 apple
1 cup of cranberry juice
5 pork & shrimp dumplings
1/2 bowl of rice in tomato and tofu soup
2 squids
1 piece of chicken
fried bean sprout
tomato & cucumber salade in vinaigrette
1 shortbread cookie
strawberries