Food Diary Template

What is a food diary?

A food diary, also known as a food log or journal, documents all food and drinks consumed within a specific timeframe. This tool is instrumental in weight management, identifying food sensitivities, and fostering a balanced diet. Clients can track calories, uncover dietary concerns, and enhance overall well-being by monitoring their consumption.

Additionally, it serves as a practical resource for recognizing eating patterns and supporting their weight loss journey. Keeping a food diary can also help track progress, making it easier to see improvements and make necessary adjustments.

The importance of keeping track of eating habits

Healthy eating habits matter. Encouraging clients to maintain a food diary is pivotal for cultivating healthy habits and achieving their weight loss goals. It enables them to meticulously monitor their daily food and nutritional intake, aiding in identifying potential triggers for food allergies.

Moreover, a daily food diary or food tracker is a helpful tool in identifying food intolerances or allergies, facilitating targeted dietary modifications to alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.

How does this Food Diary Template work?

If you're ready to get started in helping your clients on their nutrition journey, follow these simple steps to use the template:

Step 1: Download the template

Download the template from our website. You may save or print it. We’ve also prepared a 1 week daily food log example for your reference.

Step 2: Complete the details

Provide the template to your patient or fill it out for them, ensuring that it includes essential patient information such as name, contact details, and other information.

Step 3:  Track food intake

Encourage patients to record their meals promptly to avoid forgetting what they've consumed. Remind them to include details like feelings, companions, and influences on food choices alongside each meal or at the end of the day. In the comments section of the template, encourage them to also note what they eat and drink when they are watching TV or doing some mental tasks.

When to use a food journal template

Remember that a food journal is a tracker, not the sole resource for diagnosis or treatment plans. Utilize these templates specifically:

• When guiding a client recovering from an eating disorder.
• When assisting clients in pinpointing factors affecting fluctuations in blood test results.
• When helping clients identify allergens or triggers causing physical or emotional reactions.
• When clients are monitoring their overall health.

Further testing and additional consultation can help produce a more accurate clinical impression, diagnosis, or well-designed treatment plan.

Tips to staying consistent with a food diary

Here are some tips to help your clients stay consistent and get the most out of the food diary:

1. Choose a format that works

Food Diary Templates can be kept in various forms, such as a physical notebook or an app on the phone, or printable templates like a food log, food journal template, weekly food diary, and more. Choose one that best suits their needs and preferences.

2. Be honest and accurate

To get a precise picture of their food consumption, encourage them to be honest and record everything they eat and drink. This includes snacks, condiments, and any small bites throughout the day. To track their calorie intake accurately, it is essential to note the portion size of each food item. You may tell them to use measuring cups or a food scale for precise measurements.

3. Make notes about mood

Emotional state can significantly impact food choices. By noting how they feel before and after each meal, they may uncover any emotional triggers for overeating or unhealthy food choices. Tracking the location and time of their meals can also help identify patterns or habits related to eating behaviors. You may provide them with our Mindful Eating Worksheet as an additional resource.

4. Read labels and nutritional information

If they are trying to lose weight or follow a specific diet, reading the labels and nutritional information of the foods they consume can be helpful. This can help track calorie intake and make healthier choices.

5. Identify food intolerances

If they suspect that certain foods may be causing allergic reactions or discomfort, the food diary can help identify potential triggers. If necessary, note any symptoms after consuming specific foods and consult a healthcare professional.

6. Review the food diary regularly

At the end of each week, tell them to take some time to review the food diary consistently. Look for patterns or trends in food choices and identify areas for healthier changes. Of course, each person may see different results. Make sure to adjust plans based on the results of each person's food tracking and needs.