How to keep a food diary

How to keep a food diary
What is a food diary?
A food diary is a complete record of the food your child has eaten during a certain period of time. This record
will help the dietitian know your child’s needs.
How do I complete a food diary?
• Write down every food or beverage that your child eats and drinks each day.
• Write down how much of the food or beverage your child actually ate or drank. Avoid using words
such as “bites” or “sips”. Use standard sizes and weights when you can (tsps., cups, ounces, etc.)
• Write down brand names of items.
• Write down cooking methods of food, such as baked, broiled, fried, stewed, or microwaved.
• Keep these records close to wherever your child eats and drinks. This will help you keep an accurate
record.
• Return the completed record to Nutrition Services or to your St. Jude dietitian.
Sample daily food and drink diary
Name: ________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Time
Food or beverage
Type and/or how prepared
Amount
(am/pm)
7 am
Oatmeal
Quaker instant, apples and
1 package
cinnamon


1 tbsp margarine added


Milk Whole
¼
c
12 pm
Hamburger
McDonald’s regular
½

French fries
McDonald’s small
¾ order

This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our
aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health
concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

Copyright © 2004 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org
Page 1 of 2
Revised 12/04

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How to keep a food diary
Food diary
Name: ________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Please keep a 3-day record of all food and beverages consumed. Bring with you to your next outpatient visit.

Time
Food or beverage
Type and/or how prepared
Amount
(am/pm)






































































This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our
aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health
concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

Copyright © 2004 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org
Page 2 of 2
Revised 12/04

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