The Hidden Calories Behind Weight Gain
How an Honest Food Journal Can Transform Your Eating Habits
“If I followed you around all day with a hidden camera, what would I see you eating that isn’t in your food log?”
My client froze for a moment, then laughed. “Ohhh … yeah. You’d see chips, French fries, the bite of whatever was left over on my kids’ plates, a handful of nuts here or there…”
That’s when we solved the mystery of her unexplained fifteen-pound weight gain.
The Food Journal That Didn’t Tell the Whole Story
When MaryAnn first came to me, she was frustrated. She’d filled out a three-day food journal as part of her new client intake, and on paper, it looked perfect, three balanced meals a day, one snack, mostly whole, nutritious foods, and reasonable portions.
But something wasn’t adding up. Her weight was creeping up, and she couldn’t figure out why.
Once we talked through her journal and I asked that “hidden camera” question, the picture became much clearer. It wasn’t about her main meals. It was the small, often unconscious bites and tastes between those meals that were quietly adding up.
Why Honest Self-Inventory Matters
That conversation wasn’t about “catching” her in the act or accusing her of lying. It was about shining a light on the blind spots we all have.
We tend to log the planned meals and snacks while forgetting about the handful here, the bite there, the extra sip or two. Over time, those little moments can have a bigger impact than we realize.
And until we’re willing to take a full, honest look at our habits, lasting change will always feel out of reach.
Why It’s Hard to Be Honest with Ourselves
We don’t want to feel judged, especially by ourselves.
We think awareness will feel discouraging, when in fact it’s the key to making progress.
We’re on autopilot. Many small actions are so habitual that we barely notice them.
Awareness isn’t about blame. It’s about clarity. And clarity is empowering.
How to Take Your Own Honest Inventory
If you’re ready to uncover your own “mysteries,” here’s how to start:
Track everything your eat and drink for a few days. That means even the bites, licks, and tastes.
Write it all down without judgment. Remember, the purpose here is to collecting data, not build a case against yourself.
Look for patterns, not perfection.
Ask curious questions: “What’s happening before I make this choice? Am I stressed? Rushed? Tired?”
The Bravery of Looking Closely
Being willing to see the full picture of your habits is an act of courage. It means you’re ready to trade guesswork for clarity, and clarity for results. The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be aware so you can make intentional choices instead of accidental ones.
If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, try your own honest inventory this week. You might be surprised by what you discover, and how much lighter the path forward becomes once you can see it clearly.
Ready to uncover your own blind spots and take the first step toward lasting change? Schedule your free First Step Call today, and let’s create a clear, personalized plan to help you reach your goals.
