The Zoomer Report: Diet Diary

It won’t burn many calories on its own, but if you’re looking to
lose weight, the most important exercise you can do is to pick up a pen and
paper.

According to a large new U.S. study, dieters can double their weight loss
by simply keeping a daily diary of what they eat.

The study was conducted by researchers at Duke University and The University
of Alabama and it involved some 1,700 overweight people.

It showed that people who kept no daily food records lost an average of four
kilograms, while those who did lost an average of eight kilograms.

Researchers say that in addition to allowing dieters to see how well they
are keeping to their plans, a diary makes it plain to dieters where it would
be easiest to cut out calories. And it helps them keep a lid on mindless eating
— the nibbling many of us don’t even realize we’re doing.

And they also say people who diet within a social network are also much more
successful at dropping excess pounds.

The study found that each social session study dieters attended — where
they would discuss their successes and failures — was worth 0.3 kilograms
in extra weight loss.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/Digital Skillet Photography

READ MORE ZOOMER REPORTS

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Zoomer Report: Two diets

The
Zoomer Report: Maintaining weight loss

The
Zoomer Report: Self control

About The Zoomer Report

Libby ZnaimerLibby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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