Instead of using paper, I came up with another approach. My eleven-year-old has a small, magnetic white board that hangs on our refrigerator door. She rarely uses it, so with her permission, I adopted it for my experiment.
Each day, I write on the board every food I eat. From meals to snacks, I document in this very public place what I have eaten all day. (The picture above was taken right after lunch, since the afternoon and evening are typically my weak moments. ;)
Our daughters are conscientious about asking me - while I'm eating - if I've added that food to my list. They will glance at the board when they walk by and even offer comments at times. I am finding them to be quite vigilant accountability partners, but I have to admit that I think it's helping!
Are you working towards any healthy eating or weight loss goals?
That's a great idea!! I've learned that if I'm struggling for a bit I need to not have my fun foods in the house.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm a few weeks into using Sparkpeople.com and working out. I have about 15 pounds to lose get to my goal weight and I know that I need to have a calorie deficit every day. Sparkpeople helps me track my daily calorie intake and gives me a good idea of what my workouts are burning.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks in, I've lost 6 pounds and tracking calories has made me more mindful of how each little bite adds up.
We also have a Facebook group for support and encouragement and that has been a real blessing to me.
I hope that your journey is a successful one!
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss so far! Sounds like you've found some tools that work well for you. I, too, am trying to remember how important it is to note every single thing I eat.
Best wishes for continued success!!
I've got "baby" weight to lose, so I'm trying to eat less. Right now, I'm seeing how much I can lose by just eating smaller portions. Instead of a big bowl of ice cream, I'm just having a very small amount. Of course, I have an advantage; I'm nursing my baby, and I've heard that burns an extra 500 calories a day.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!! Best wishes on reaching your goal this year! I know you can do it :)
ReplyDeleteKeelie
Now, this sounds like an idea that would really work, Tracey. Wow, talk about accountability! Might have to try this myself. Your girls sure have a special mother showing them a wonderful example of how to be accountable and to work toward a goal. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on accomplishing all of your goals!
Katie
This is a brilliant idea! I'm afraid my children might enjoy it a bit too much though. Also, if I had done it today I don't think it would have all fit. :)
ReplyDelete