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This is NOT Your Last Supper!

Do you ever notice what you are thinking before you eat?

Being more conscientious of what and how you eat can help you eat less and enjoy food more.
It is ironic how many Southern Californians fret about the effects of their food consumption on their body long after they have eaten.
Most of us do what the American Dietetic Association (ADA) refers to as “mindless” eating.
Without ever thinking, we take that second portion or fill up on calories we really don’t need. For instance, if you have the urge for something crunchy, think almonds instead of grabbing those Oreo cookies.
If you have a yearning for something sweet, stop, think and reach for the apple and not the candy bar.

The key is to think about your eating choices and consequences before going “hog wild.”

Finding ways to embrace the joys of eating can also come in handy. Setting a table with flowers and candles will help you feel like a welcomed guest in your own home. There is nothing like sitting down to a beautiful table setting with soft background music instead of wolfing down a hamburger while driving in stop and go traffic.

In life there are many essential splendors and eating is one of them. When you crave a certain flavor or texture try to visualize taking a silver dollar size portion of that food and savoring each bite. It doesn’t take much to get all fired up about a lovely dish with just a few bites. Tasting can actually intensify your enjoyment of a food item while leaving your taste buds tantalized. When you mindlessly overindulge in popcorn, let’s say, the flavor takes a back seat to the uncomfortably full feeling you now have inside. Foods high in sugar fat and salt are what most of us crave and what we tend to unconscientiously overdo. The key is not to force deprivation, but rather pace yourself. Try having a bite of that dessert and then wait a few minutes to see if you really want more. Chances are you would be most satisfied inside and out with a few spoonfuls. Here are some useful tips to help you stay alert while eating. Remember, thinking thin will maximize your health while minimizing your waistline.

· Eat while sitting at a table with no distractions of TV, reading, Internet or phone.
· Slow down and chew your food completely before swallowing.
· Take breaks and periodically check in with yourself about your fullness.
· Watch your portions and remember this is not your “last supper.”
· Enrich your meal by making your place setting and the occasion special.
· Decorate your dish using homemade garnishments whenever possible.
· Reflect on your food choices and portion sizes before you take one bite.
· Feed yourself only what you would serve your finest guest.
· Take time to enjoy the smell of your dish before digging in.

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© Arlene Unger, Your guide to positive Stress, Habut Busting, Anger Management, Life and Weight Management.
www.MyPrivateCoach.com: Life Coach - Life Coaching
Arlene Unger is the Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience and additional certifications in Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Executive Coaching, Addiction, Nonverbal Therapies, and Communication Disorders Coach at My Private Coach. She can be contacted at info@myprivatecoach.com.
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