Stacy: "Snacking"

Here's and "oldie but goodie" post from a blog I used to keep. I still feel like the information is relevent, and wanted to share it here:

Let's talk about something that many of us struggle with on a daily basis... Snacking!If you're anything like me, you may eat directly out of the cereal box instead of pouring it into a bowl, like the normal folks do. Or maybe you lick the spoon after making brownies (and the bowl?) Or maybe you take a small portion of food, eat it, and go back for seconds and thirds because the portion didn't fill you, but you end up overeating because you just had to go back for more. Welcome to my life :) We all have things we struggle with, but it's what we do after we realize what the problem in that matter. I'm vowing to be more mindful of my eating habits. I know breaking these habits isn't going to an easy task, so I need to find a way to hold myself accountable as I make the transition. Enter one of my many lists (they help me organize the ideas floating around in my head!):

1. Portion out meals before you eat them, as opposed to "picking" on things.
While you may feel as though you haven't eaten much since you merely "picked" on several dishes, you may have eaten a heck of a lot more than you think! Placing a healthy serving on a plate will eliminate the desire to keep eating. If you are still hungry after 20 minutes, feel free to grab a little more.

2. Don't eat out of the cereal box!
Or the potato chip bag... or the cookie jar... or the container holding those healthy vegan treats you baked... Whether the food you are consuming is considered "health food" or not, you still should not be consuming large quantities of anything. Measure out the amount of chips/cookies/cereal you intend on eating, and place it on a seperate plate. This way, you can still enjoy it without "over-enjoying" it, if you know what I mean ;) The culprit in my life is definitely Peanut Butter Puffins = love.

3. All the little bites, and tastes you take of food throughout the day count! You may be consuming more than you think your are.

4. There will be leftovers, and if there aren't, you can make more.
Sometimes, something is so delicious, that we can't help but want more. This is okay occasionally, but you don't need to eat tons in just one sitting! Save some for tomorrow. You're waistline may thank you for it!

5. Eat slower.
Enjoy your eating experience. Chew your food, recognize the different tastes and textures. The slower you eat, the more time you allow your body to realize it's full (which takes roughly around 20 minutes)!

6. Don't eat in front of the tv or computer.
When you're mind is on something else, you don't realize how much food you're consuming. Make it a point to sit down and enjoy your food. After all, you deserve it.

7. Eat sweets!
Did I just say that?! You should consume these in moderation, but when you do consume them, enjoy them! Don't eat a mediocre piece of chocolate cake...that's a waste of empty calories. You better get yourself the nummiest chocolate cake made, and savor it! Once you take all those diet restrictions off of yourself, and those "forbidden" foods are no longer banned from your diet, they lose their allure.

8. Say no to the bread and chips.
Of course, I'm referring to the bread and chips placed in front of you at restaurants. You will tend to overeat if something is placed in front of your face. These are food items that are easy to come by, so there's no need to eat them everytime you come across them. Just politely tell your waiter/waitress "no thanks," and enjoy your lunch instead :)

Hopefully these tips helped you!

Any questions?
Email LifestyleFitnessConcepts@gmail.com

<3,
Stace

Up next? "Why Diets Suck" ;)