The Write it diet

Want to diet?

Write it down!

Start thinking about why you want to diet. If you can write down a list of reasons why you want to diet then you'll start putting together a list of goals and things you want to achieve.

Whichever diet you want to do are all helped by writing it down.

You can keep a diary of your thoughts and eating habits. Some people find it interesting to write a journal and record what they eat along side how they feel and can also be useful identifying problem foods and allergies.

You can add in notes on calories consumed, or other counting methods (Like weightwatchers points) you could also make notes on how much salt is in food, what % fat and even whether you manage to eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables.

You can also include weight, measurements, notes on how you're feeling, whether you're struggling to keep to the diet, what you'd like to do to make it easier or other thoughts you have during your day to day routine.

You could include recipes you've done to remind yourself of your favourite foods and meals you've made.

If you find during your diet you really want to binge then you might find it theraputic to write it all down - write about what you want to eat and how many calories it has and think about how you'll feel afte you've cheated and how good you'll feel if you can manage to resist.

This is one of the reasons I like the Paul McKenna diet - if you want to eat and you're hungry you can. The system encourages you to eat slowly and enjoy the food and as you eat when you're hungry you'll hoepfully avoid feeling deprived and wanting to pig out.

You can keep a food journal even if you're taking part in a slimming club or online group. Its good to write down your feelings especially the good ones when you know you've done well on your diet.

If you write down your diet plan - including menus for the week ahead you'll be able to shop and organise yourself properly. One of the reasons why people sometimes fail is because their diet doesn't match their lifestyle very well and they can't meet the requirements of spending an hour cooking a meal after work because they're just too tired and hungry.
By writing down your diet requirements and the lifestyle you lead and what changes you are happy to make then you will work out the best way of dieting for yourself.

Questions to answer

1. Why do I want to diet?
2. What sort of diet do I want?
3. Am I busy every night at meal times?
4. Will I be feeding other people? Do they want to diet?

Sometimes writing it down can be easier than talking to people, especially when you're starting out a diet (and if you've dieted frequently) so you can diet without the stress of people thinking you'll fail and even telling you so.

If you think of good things to say to people about you dieting then write them down. You know when people say "oh are you dieting?" then write down the clever witty things you think of afterwards well write them down and then you'll have something to say next time.