Eating healthier is probably one of your 2013 health goals. Did you know that throughout the day you can make as many as 200 food and eating decisions – that’s right – 200!! And many of those choices are completely mindless – we make them without thinking. This can lead to overeating, and therefore, weight gain. Here are a few thoughts about mindful, healthy eating for the New Year.
Assess when you overeat:
- With family and friends?
- Does the packaging encourage you to dive in?
- Are there distractions such as work, TV or kids that cause you to continue with mindless eating.
Give attention to food when you are eating:
- Sit down at your table to eat.
- Serve plates from the stove, but keep the vegetables on the table for seconds.
- Use smaller plates.
Calorie-saving Tips:
- Begin the meal with either a vegetable soup or salad.
- Eat the healthier foods first.
- Return to veggies only when you want second portions.
Losing weight gradually and/our maintaining a healthy weight means giving attention to what, how, when and where you eat. Eating healthy doesn’t just happen – you need to make it happen:
- Shop for the healthiest foods.
- Cook healthy.
- Appreciate and savor the food that you are eating.
