While we’re thinking about eating during this holiday season, I’m going to share some wisdom I’ve picked up from my years of experience as an eater.
1. Pace yourself. Slowing down helps you digest easier. It also gives your brain some time to register when you’re full. There are a few ways to help slow down eating. There’s the thinking method. Think about the food you consume, engage all your senses, thoroughly masticate, blah blah. That’s too much thinking when all I’m having is a PB&J. Really, whatever works to keep you from inhaling your food is fine. The entertainment method works great. Sometimes, watching TV or reading while eating distracts me and slows me down. Socializing works too. At a restaurant, conversation helps slow me down (unless I’m hungry, in which case, you talk, I eat). Be careful when you find yourself picking at the food towards the end though. I can’t help myself sometimes but that’s really the cue to stop.
2. Don’t overeat. Ha! Good luck with this one. This is the toughest one for me as a food lover and a member of the Clean Plate Club. Because kids in developing countries are starving, I’d better have that last strip of bacon.
3. Eat in smaller portions. Following this tip will help out with #2, especially if you are a CPC member too. I’m surprised sometimes by how quickly I feel full even when I’m Bring-Me-A-Cow-STARVING!! The trick is to fill your plate with less food and go back for round two, three, four, etc. I find that I think about what I really want to eat when I pause between helpings.
4. Walk. This helps me digest. Sit down when you eat, but walk afterwards. Or at the very least, stand up for a few seconds before collapsing on the couch.
5. Be picky about what you put in your body. Not saying don’t have anything “bad” for you. Just try to eat healthy. Plant matter – good. Processed foods – not-so-good (except for Cheez-its – gawd those are good, especially the BIG ones). Overall, I think it keeps you kicking longer so you have more opportunities to eat.
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