Trying to shed some pounds? Keep a Diary!

Summer time is a great time to try and get into shape - for all of us, including our kids. But, many people, including kids, find that diet and exercise alone don't always work. A new report offers a suggestion that may be the key to the weight loss lock many have been seeking: a food log or diary.

This isn't a new idea. Many weight loss programs have a food diary or log as a key feature. What makes this report compelling to me is the lack of gimmicks or association with a formal, national weight loss program. And, the results of this study are eye opening: the diary dieters lost 2x the weight compared to the non-diary keepers.

The study, published in the August American Journal of Preventive Medicine, followed 1685 adults. According to USA today, the best results were seen in people who kept their diaries for at least 6 days a week. Attending group meetings and exercise were also important factors. The average amount of exercise was only 117 minutes a week - that averages only to about 20minutes a day!

So, what does this mean for any of us?

• write down everything you eat and drink
• have good social supports: a weight loss program or a family member
• exercise daily

This would work with kids, too, or teens, who need to lose weight. Partner with your pediatrician who can help you follow any medical problems that may need to be addressed such as blood pressure or cholesterol. If you are going to do this type of program at home with a child or teen, you have to be honest with your approach and make it a family affair. This isn't something you can do on the sly. I've talked about this before - the need to be open and honest with overweight kids about their weight problems. In fact, the child is the one who already knows! If you need help talking to your overweight child, click here. There are many good ways to approach that difficult topic.

Good luck with your weight loss goals! I know you can get to where you want to be and with the help of your new food diary. Start small: portion size and places with empty calories. And, before you know it the pointer on the scale will start inching down. Oh, by the way, only weight yourself once a week - more than that is too much. The loose fit of your weight line will be the motivation you need that your new approach is working.

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