How to write a diet diary

The diet diary is a great tool to get a snapshot of what you are eating. It’s not perfect, and we understand that sometimes you might just have a “bad week”. No problem. Just jot it all down and we’ll go over it together. 

This tool is great because: 

• It shows what your eating rhythm is like

• It begins to create connections between what you eat and how you feel for folx who have not already made these connections

• It allows us to get some context to your eating experience

• It can help pin point variables that are impacting how you digest food

• Illuminates why blood sugar crashes are happening

• Shows how food and emotions are linked

• Reveals patterns

• Shows gaps in nutrient intake

• Objective tool that we can reflect on later and track milestones

This tool is not used to: 

• Judge your food choices

• Create opportunities for shame or blame

There are a couple ways to go about this. Most people find it easiest to record their week on their phone and then email in the data. 

Here are things we would like you to keep track of:

• What day it is (do this for 7-9 days in a row)

• What you ate, where you ate it and at what time

• How did you feel before you ate and how did you feel after

• Notable events in the day that give context to your experience

• Any drinks, supplements, drugs, prescriptions etc that you took and when

• Any emotions, thoughts or body sensations that you want to share. The more context the better.

• You can include photos of food if you would like

• Notes on digestion, including bowel movements and any symptoms that come up

• Take note of symptoms of low blood sugar: anxiety, nervousness, shaky hands, feeling unsteady, hungry, hangry, emotional, headache, fatigue, irritable

You can also print this chart, and fill it out the good ol’ pen and paper way. We can scan it when you bring it into the office for review. 

The disclaimer… The amazing thing about humans is that we all have incomparably unique health profiles and needs. The health-related information contained in this article is intended to be general in nature and should not be used prescriptively or a as a substitute for a visit with a naturopathic doctor. This tool is intended to offer general information to individuals. If you have questions about how these strategies could be used in adjunct to your current heath regime, book and appointment with us or consult a licensed naturopathic doctor for individualized care.