Keeping a food diary is an important step in diagnosing food allergies/intolerances and treatment. It will help you to identify particular ingredients or products that may be troubling you. It can also be a useful tool to health care providers during consultation and testing. If you are seeking treatment from an Allergist, Gastroenterologist, or a Dietician, it is recommended that you keep a food diary for at least two weeks and bring it along to your appointment.

Here are some suggestions to follow for our own food diary:

• Use a spiral bound notebook with one page for each day.

• Categories in your diary should include the date and time, meal (with ingredients and amounts), and reaction or feeling.

• Be specific. Always write down product brands, the cook or restaurant, and exact ingredients.

• Keep your diary with you at all times. It is easier to write in it when it is readily available to you. If you find that carrying a regular size notebook is too big or impractical, try using a small memo book or notepad to keep in your pocket or purse.

• Make al entries immediately after your meal, not at the end of the day.

• Write down everything you ingest regardless of how insignificant you might think it. Don't forget about things like butter, condiments, beverages, mints or candy, gum, sugar in your coffee and cheese on a burger. Any and every detail is important.

• Always include medication and dosage.

• State how you are feeling or reaction to foods (if noticed). Did you get a headache an hour after lunch? Have you felt bloated or experienced diarrhea today? Keeping track of your physical response is equally important to documenting foods consumed. You may also record how you are feeling before/during the meal so that you can compare/contrast your reaction later.

• You should keep a food diary even if you have already been diagnosed and are following a special diet. During the early stages of treatment this will allow you to track your progress and correct any mistakes you make.

• You may print the Food Diary Form for your personal use.

• The website Fit Day provides a free online diet and weight loss journal that helps you keep track of your daily meals. It allows you to customize to your own products used and also offers nutritional data. Software may be purchased for home pc use.

An example entry that might be used in your notebook: