WVU Wellness &
Nutrition Intiative

One of the best ways to help control eating habits is to keep a journal of everything you eat. This means that you need to record every bit of food (including condiments and sauces) and drink that you consume. It may also help to note the time of day, what you are doing, and what you’re feeling when you are eating as well; this may help you to notice certain patterns that may be present in your eating such as turning to food when you are stressed or upset. Once you are aware of when you are more likely to eat and what’s causing you to turn to food, you’ll be able to plan for some alternatives to eating. Instead of mindlessly snacking at lunchtime, try calling a friend or going for a walk. If you find that you munch on ingredients while you cook, try chewing on gum. The key is knowing what triggers your eating and planning ahead to combat it. The key to keeping a journal is that it keeps you accountable ? even better, if you have a friend who is willing to be your partner you can share logs and reward each other?s successes.