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.
