Ten Tips To Help Avoid Overeating
Ask Yourself ‘Are You Sure You’re Hungry?’: Check in with your body and ask yourself how hungry am I or am I perhaps just thirsty? We live in a time where we are chronically dehydrated. Water after all is the elixir of life. Sometimes a big glass of water is all you need to stave off the feeling of hunger and get you to your next meal. Our bodies have natural cycles, so stop and take a listen. If you don’t feel like eating then don’t. Mind yourself tho. You need healthy food as it is the fuel that keeps you going. If you feel light headed or dizzy, this could be a sign of your blood sugar dropping and you need to get yourself to eat. If you are feeling satisfied then drink some water or clear tea instead of going for that fat and sugar laden treat. Your body will be thankful.
Portion Control: Cup your hands together, that’s your portion size. This is approximately the size of your stomach. Be sure to only eat this amount in one sitting. If you want more when you are done, then by all means have more. It typically takes 15 minutes after eating to realize that we are full. So take a deep breath relax and ask yourself if you are still hungry.
Before You Eat, Connect: Take a breath, relax into yourself, be thankful and grateful that you have a wonderful meal to eat.
Look At Your Food: Do this as you are connecting. Think of the time it took to grow, the farmers who have grown it Connect with your food. Appreciate where it comes from and the good it is going to do for your mind, body and spirit.
Take Time To Enjoy What You’re Eating: Being in tune about your choices will keep you from making poor food choices but by no means punish yourself by not eating what you truly crave when you crave it. So eat the fudge or the potato chips, just not all the time or often. Keep them as a treat.
Eat In A Pleasant Setting: Don’t rush the nourishing experience. Go ahead and live in the moment when you take the time to eat. Acknowledge that you are taking the time to nourish yourself. Go outside if you can, find a place with a view. Just take that time for yourself, you deserve it.
Chew Chew Chew: Not only does this aid in digestion, your body will also have the time it needs to tell your brain that you are full.
What Flavours Are You Tasting?: Take the time to discern each flavour. Can you taste a little rosemary? Is it bitter? Sweet? Just what kind of food are you allowing into your mouth? Feel the texture. Feel blessed that you have such wonderful food to nourish you. Try and figure out the ingredients such as spices and herbs that were used. Could you introduce that flavour into other dishes? What other flavours would compliment what you are eating?
Put Your Utensils Down Between Bites: This allows your body to keep up. Giving a rest in between bites helps digestion and absorption and you guessed it.. Helps with letting you know when you are actually full.
Take A Healthy Snack: It is always easy to reach for the fast, cheap and easy selections, so keep something healthy on hand for these cases. Dried fruit, nuts or veg are always good go to.
Eat healthy & stay vibrant!