Keeping Track

Ah, the joys of weight control. Despite regular exercise, I've managed to put on some unwanted weight…nothing like the 325 pounds I used to weigh, but enough to make me cringe when I look in the mirror.

I've been pedaling my stationary bike regularly, but I have low impulse control when it comes to food. Exercise is easy. I enjoy it, but I have to work to keep my diet under control. I already know what to eat and what not to eat. I just need to control how much I eat.

I wish I could be one of those people who seems to know when they've had enough. They can have half a plate of food in front of them and still put the fork down because they realize they are full. I'm not one of those people. Like many compulsive overeaters, I look at that plate or a full bag of chips as a challenge. The eating isn't over until the food is gone.

I've started keeping a food diary to curb my tendency to overindulge. (This isn't a brilliant new idea by any means.) I don't write down every single calorie. I just write down what I eat and when I eat it. The end of the day is when I feel the strongest temptation. When I look at the list of foods I've eaten during the day, it helps me realize that I'm not starving, and that a small dinner is all I need.

Interestingly enough, the one day I forgot to keep track last week was the day I overate. Go figure.

As difficult as it can be for someone who has been overweight almost all of his adult life, I'm trying not to beat myself up over this. I just write down my meals and keep track without judging myself.

If you are like me and have already educated yourself about what to eat, but you have trouble controlling how much you eat, you might try keeping a food diary to help yourself keep track.