Healthier Eating in 2009: Website to Track Eating and Exercise

Eight out of ten BirminghamMoms probably share the same goal this year: Eat more deliberately, making healthier choices for optimal energy and weight control. The funny thing is, most of us probably know what to do. We just have a terrible time actually doing it.

The first step experts always recommend is a food diary. My friend Natalie told me about The Daily Plate last fall when she began using it to track what she ate. She loved that it had exact nutritional information for all sorts of brand name dishes (from frozen to restaurant servings as well as approximations for homemade). Best of all, basic access is free. You can click an icon to add each glass of water you drink daily, view a pie chart of your calorie breakdown, and add comments to you diary to track your food's effect on your mood and energy level. Natalie said tracking her food intake had made her much more aware of what she was eating, and I personally witnessed her decline the fabulous lasagna at Costa's in favor of the salmon, even then eating only half her breadstick. I marveled at her self control as I sopped my bread in the herb infused oil. 

The Daily Plate recently partnered with the Livestrong Foundation. Now the site also offers recipes, alternative food suggestions, the ability to join affinity groups (such as Moms Unite, Tall Chicks Unite, 5'2" or Less, the 50 to Lose Club, just to name a few) and opportunity to take a "dare" to walk every day, drink less caffeine, etc. I have found that tracking my intake really does make me mindful about choosing a banana, say, rather than a cookie for a snack. I know I'll also be enjoying the lasagna with a bit more appreciation next time.

BirminghamMom tip: Now is a great season for making lifestyle changes since so many fellow Alabamians are participating in Scale Back Alabama. Check out additional resources recommended on the Scale Back Alabama site.