Saturday, March 20, 2010

Journal Your Way To Health


When I first got started on my way to getting healthy, journaling became an important daily or weekly routine.  Part of any successful diet or maintenance plan is having the right tools. A nice journal and pen were two must have items.

I didn't write everyday.  In the beginning my goal was to write in my journal once a week.  Journal entries consisted of accomplishments, if I had added a new food or got in more exercise than usual.  I recorded my moods and what the weather was like.   I wrote about challenges and triumphs.  I recorded my weightloss numbers and gains.

Most of all, my journal was a record of all the emotions that either led me to lose my weight, stay the same or gain.  I still have that first journal and I dust it off and read those pages as a reminder of how far I've come.  It jumpstarts the bad days that today have a tendency to creep up on me. 

Nowadays I use my notebook computer and Word to type in my thoughts and save them to a CD. 

It's easy to get started and doesn't have to take up much time.  Knowing what makes you eat the wrong things or makes you feel like you should just forget about your goals and give into temptation can be liberating.  Once you find out some of those reasons you are more prepared the next time they crop up.  Having a few backup plans for those emotions can definitely be a comfort.  Journaling is one backup plan to get you back on track.  It is a record of how you handled the best and worst times. 

There are a few ways you can get started:

1.  A nice journal and pen from a bookstore or office supply store is the easiest way to start.
2.  Use your computer and start a journal using Word.  You can also lock your secrets up in Word. 

3.  There are several websites that are free.  You can sign up and start journaling today.  Some of my favorites are:

Try it.  You will be surprised at what you find out about yourself and your journey.

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