You want to lose weight? Sure keeping a food journal may help but only, and only, if you follow a strict set of procedures. You want to make better food choices? Yes keeping a food journal may help but only, and only, if you follow a strict set of procedures.

Do you see — err read — what I’m getting at? Whether your goal is to lose weight or to expand your nutritional education keeping a food journal requires three things: discipline, honesty, and time.