Scared to Food Journal? This One Mindset Change May Help
Food journaling isn’t what you think it’s for!
People assume if they’re going to talk about nutrition, eventually they’ll have to write down what they eat and submit it to the professional they’re working with.
It’s important to remember that food journaling is just a tool. Lots of our members make tons of progress without ever writing down what they eat and instead just learning skills and habits that help them manage their diet.
At the same time A LOT OF PEOPLE feel judged when their coach is looking at what they've eaten. Food journaling isn’t so coaches can judge what you eat. It’s a tool to help you learn about the food choices you make.
Check out these recommendations for journaling if you're interested in getting back into it...
Forget about the past
It's understandable to be a bit skittish about food journaling if you've been burned by it in the past, and have felt judged by the professional who you were working with. Just know that not all professional coaches are the same.
The main thing that matters is YOU. So, try another person, system, or community out. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Be open
We like for our members to use the food journaling app "Cronometer". It's accurate and easy to use. You can learn about the foods you're eating (and not eating), instead of submitting a paper journal to your coach and feeling judged and shamed.
Always choose something that works for YOU. So, if an app isn't your jam, maybe you can take photos of your meals and share with your coach that way.
Communicate
Health is the number one priority for our members (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc). Hopefully the professional you work with feels the same way about you!
Anyway, if journaling your food puts you in a negative place, and you don't think it's right for you right now, communicate that with your coach. If they don't understand, get a new one.
Thought and behavior change is hard. That's why coaches exist!
If you're looking to change your mindset from "I'm feeling really judged right now, this totally sucks!" to "Ah, this is so cool, I know what's in an egg!", find the right coach, way to journal, and community for you.
Your Fitness After Forty Specialists
It’s difficult to change on your own but we’re here to help! We want to learn about you.
If you’re ready to become the person you dream of fill out the form below and we’ll contact you within 24 hours to see what we can do to help.