deelbee's Journal, 20 Nov 21

Pretty pictures! I rarely take pictures of my meals. They aren't very photogenic. 

Thanks Fritzy22. If they are colourful and pretty , I know I am making a effort to eat more variety, eat more joyfully and less obsessively. You don't have to be a good photographer though, to gain the benefits of taking quick pics of what you eat. I do this as a tool for myself, and I find it very helpful. I enjoy looking at other peoples photos as well, mainly for meal ideas, and new foods to try out. This isn't Instagram or Facebook, it is a food journal for yourself, as visible or as invisible as you want it to be. Don't worry if you food is not photogenic. If photos will help you to reach your goals, then take them, even if you never post them on FS. 📃Here are the main reasons why I take the pictures every day of what I eat, before I eat it: ✅#1 - To remind myself daily that I am not deprived, starving, or hungry. I eat a lot of volume. If the photos are colourful, it means I am eating lots of variety. If they are dull & beige, then I have not tried very hard to make a balanced meal. ✅#2 - To remind myself daily of the healthy food choices I am making, and better food habits I am forming. ✅#3 - I am a very visual person and pictures connect better in my brain than written food journals, to see why I am plateauing, going up or going down, getting enough protein, etc. ✅#4 - I am forgetful. I take the pictures on the kitchen counter, before I take my plate to the table to eat. They show me what I have eaten throughout the day and the time I ate it. Then I can accurately enter everything into food diary at the end of each day. When I have not take a photo, then it was mindless eating, and I have no memory recall! ✅#5 - To help the nutritionist who is monitoring my weight loss to make suggestions where I can improve. ✅#6 - I can see photos continuing well into maintenance, after I reach my goal, as it is less time consuming than food diary entries, for staying on track and being accountable.