What is a food diary primarily used for?

A food diary is primarily used as a record of food consumption. This tool allows individuals to log the foods they eat throughout the day, including portion sizes and the times of consumption. By maintaining accurate records, individuals can gain insights into their eating habits, which can help identify patterns, nutritional deficiencies, and areas for improvement in their diet.

While calorie counting can be a part of keeping a food diary, it is not the sole purpose. The primary goal is more about tracking overall intake rather than focusing strictly on caloric content. Similarly, planning meals is separate from recording past consumption; meal planning involves intentional decisions about what to eat in the future rather than what has already been consumed. Weight loss can be a secondary benefit of keeping a food diary as individuals may become more mindful of their eating habits, but its main function is to document what has been eaten rather than to serve as a specific weight loss strategy.