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.
