Does keeping a food diary really keep you accountable? These mums set the record straight

Food diaries. We’ve all tried to write down what we are eating in a day at least once in our lifetime. But do they actually keep us aware of what we’re consuming and help with weight loss?

According to these 4 healthy mummies, keeping a visual record of what they are consuming each day keeps them on track with their weight loss or maintenance, motivation, accountability and even mindfulness.

By visually seeing what your day on a plate looks like, you are more inclined to make better decisions. It can also get you into a great routine which in the future can become your normal.

4 mummies and their day on a plate…

1. Nikola Green

Nikola has lost 17kgs through the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

“I find doing a visual food diary keeps me motivated and on track! It keeps me accountable and I can look back and see where I may have gone wrong,” says Nikola.

Even if she goes off track for one meal, Nikola still adds it in, “I like to own it and then move forward! I’m not going to hide the fact or pretend I didn’t eat it!”

Nikola also says that this is a lifestyle change and not a diet! And as one good meal won’t make you “skinny”, one bad meal won’t make you “fat” either.

What Nikola eats each day:

Drink: Warm lemon water and Healthy Mummy Super Greens

Breakfast: Peachy chia clear skin smoothie from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge 

Snack: Boiled eggs on crackers

Lunch: Roast beef pitta pocket from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge 

Snack: Healthy Mummy Super Greens

Snack: Raw carrot cake balls and green tea

Dinner: Chicken walnut apple salad from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge 

Snack: Apple and date dip

2. Clare Poole

Clare has lost 27 kilos using the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

“I often keep a visual food diary as I really find it helps me stay on track,” she says.

Clare can also see her portion control, if her day is carb heavy or sweet heavy.

Clare’s meal day:

Breakfast: Caramel latte cheesecake smoothie

Snack: Almond butter cherry and coconut rice cakes

Lunch: Piri piri chicken pizza

Dinner: One pot spaghetti Bolognese

Snack: Apple and blueberry crumble from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge 

3. Ashleigh Dunkley

Ashleigh has lost 12.5kgs using the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

“I encourage it in my group and find that when I know I have to take a photo of everything I eat, I am a lot more mindful of what I’m putting in my mouth,” she says.

Ashleigh says she can also quickly see if she’s needed to boost her fruit or veggie intake, or if she’s relying too heavily on sugars to get through the day.

What Ashleigh has each day:

Breakfast: Mocha pancakes from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge 

Snack: Healthy Mummy Power bar

Lunch: Simple zucchini slice

Snack: Pear and sultana compote

Dinner: Mexican sausage casserole from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

4. Sascha Farley

Sascha has lost 30kgs using the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

What Sascha has on a regular day:

Breakfast: Cacao Oats from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Snack: Banana and Weetbix slice.

Lunch: Mexican lasagna.

Snack: Apple and Chocolate coconut mousse

Dinner: Chocolate snickers smoothie.

Snack: Choc banana cake from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.