Explain how the self-monitoring of dietary intake can promote healthy eating

Many healthy eating programs that target dietary change include some aspect of self-monitoring. Self-monitoring of dietary intake increases the likelihood of long-term dietary change and is an effective tool when used in weight loss programs. Specifically, individuals are most successful in making positive dietary change when they set goals, self-monitor their progress toward meeting those goals, and review their progress with others (Michie, Abraham, Whittington, McAteer, &Gupta, 2009). Self-monitoring of dietary intake can involve keeping a food diary or using a worksheet or checklist to track dietary intake. Self-monitoring can be done with traditional paper logs or worksheets or electronically with smart phones, PDAs, or computers. Counselors can review an individual's dietary intake log and then help that individual identify and overcome barriers to adopting healthy dietary changes. One reason self-monitoring works is that it can serve as a feedback loop to individuals, making them more aware of what they are eating, where they are eating certain foods, and who they are around when they eat these foods. As will become evident in the next sections of this chapter, identifying these influential factors is important for sustained dietary change.?