| When
the weather outside is frightful, and the fridge is so delightful,
it might be time to learn to listen to your body's hunger cues.
Many people eat for comfort, or out of boredom or when they're
nervous or anxious. Sometimes, the very thing that is making them
anxious is the extra weight they're carrying around. So, overeating
when you're nervous can become part of a vicious cycle. Healthy,
fit and lean people share some common traits, which we can all
model after. Here
are a few tips to bear in mind:
Eat when you're hungry.
Everyone's body sends out its own hunger cues. So often, we
fill up on empty calories and snack food and never even give
our bodies the chance to experience hunger. If you eat out of
habit chances are you aren't even truly hungry. Learn your body's
special hunger cues and experience the satisfaction of eating
when you're hungry.
Pay attention to
your food. Experts on digestion report that many people do not
thoroughly chew their food. Use your molars, your grinders,
and chew until the food you put into your mouth becomes liquid.
Eating more slowly and with increased consciousness is one way
to reframe your eating habits. Instead of gulping down food
and experiencing indigestion or heartburn afterward, you'll
benefit from better absorption of your meals. Thorough chewing
breaks down your food so that your body can tap the nutritional
value instantly.
Turn off the TV.
Don't watch television during your meals, and make mealtime
a special time when you enjoy the company of your loved ones.
If you eat alone, treat yourself to a special placemat and a
small vase of flowers picked fresh from your garden. Brighten
up your atmosphere and never allow the static of programmed
television to ruin a good meal.
Fit, lean and healthy
people take the time to enjoy their food. They eat when they're
hungry, they notice what goes into their mouths, and they focus
on the meal and the company with which they share it. All of
the above adds up to a fine dining experience, indeed. |
