Many programs focusing on behavioral changes to improve diet and lose weight start with self-reporting food and beverage consumption. This approach helps the practitioner and the client gather some valuable information. It gives everyone a starting point.

Further, self-reporting long term is very useful. There has been quite a bit of research showing that self-monitoring food intake is a strong predictor of long-term weight loss.

It would appear that self-reporting is one of the keys to successful lifestyle interventions. It keeps individuals accountable and aware. It also helps to document progress, which can be motivating.

But, there are some problems here. Research tells us that underreporting of food and beverage consumption is rampant, if not almost normal. This can throw a monkey wrench into a behavior change process. The specifics of what is underreported need to........

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