I’m sure you’re aware, if you’ve read these blogs or anything else we put out there, that we recommend tracking our food for 3 to 5 days to help us make changes to it.
We can do longer if we like.
But 3 to 5 days will give us some clarity on the impact of our choices and help us make some adjustments that we’re happy with but that will change our average intake to help us go in the direction we want to go in (whatever that may be).
Sometimes we get people reply to these (or ask us in person) questioning this approach.
Which is fine – we’re here to help answer people’s questions.
People sometimes say “it’s a bit obsessive”.
That it could lead to “avoidance of certain foods”.
Or that it could create “unhealthy eating habits”.
That it could contribute towards (or “reactivate”) eating disorders.
And we get all these points.
There have been studies that suggest that such an approach can create problems in people recovering from eating disorders.
Not in all cases though – I understand it’s still more likely not to.
And I’ve not seen any studies that suggest creation of eating disorders in those that have never had them from a few days tracking their food.
Ultimately, anything we could ever do has, or could, have a negative effect.
Crossing the road or driving cars leads to some accidents.
But that doesn’t mean no one should ever cross the road or drive a car and that there aren’t huge potential benefits to doing so which, on average, outweigh the risks.
And, without wanting to sound like a ‘bit of a kn0b’……..
All the research shows that carrying excess body fat has, on average, adverse effects on our health……..
So an argument could be made that, if we’re carrying excess body fat, then we have been eating with what could be called “unhealthy eating habits”.
Whilst I’m aware this is purely anecdotal…………
I would say that everyone I have ever recommended tracking to has then made changes to their eating that then did (or, at least, would if continued) improve their health in one or more ways.
It led to “healthier eating habits”.
Not the opposite.
Something being unsuitable for some people doesn’t automatically make it unsuitable for everyone.
Much love,
Jon ‘I’m going to talk about exploring tomorrow’ Hall
P.S. And I wouldn’t say it’s any more obsessive than paying attention to how much we’re spending if we’re wanting to get out of our overdraft.
P.P.S. And we recommend it as a tool to help not have to completely avoid any foods but to create a balance that can include them but that still works for us.
P.P.S. You want help creating a balanced approach to eating that improves your health but still involves a life you’re happy living (rather than living like a monk)? Then that’s exactly what we do. Get involved (and save £50) via www.myrise.co.uk/offer.
