| Quick Tips #7 (Part Two) | |
This is especially true if you're a t.v.-watcher. Studies have shown that when we snack in front of the tube, we tend to automatically enlarge our portion sizes without even realizing it. We tend to get so wrapped up in, oh, say, what Monica and Chandler are up to this week, that our waist-watching skills fall by the wayside. So tonight, "pull a Denise" and settle down with a nice glass of ice water instead of Ben and Jerry. ;-)
Keep yourself in check by pre-measuring those portions. Buy single serving size of packaged foods whenever possible. Divvy out dry foods like cereal or chips into snack size plastic bags ahead of time. Another trick? Use smaller plates and your meals will seem less skimpy. You may be playing mind games with yourself by doing so, but, hey, if it works... who cares?
Sometimes we really don’t notice when we’re eating something extra -- the moments we grab a candy bar just because it’s at the check-out counter or super-size the meal we intended to keep small -- add up. Seeing your food intake in black and white will prevent "eating amnesia."
Well-known "losers" like Denise Austin and Oprah Winfrey have shared a great trick for keeping weight gain at bay: No eating after 8 p.m. Austin only allows herself water after primetime begins. The reason is late-night eating is like an engraved invitation to binge.
Eating multiple small meals throughout the day to keep from getting too hungry? Great idea! Eating mini meals helps you burn more calories by revving up your metabolism. There is a trick to it, though. Make sure those mini meals you're eating really are just that. Your new eating plan will backfire on you if you over-do portion sizes and you could even end up gaining weight!
Imagine how out-of-control your life would be if you never balanced your checkbook. Same goes for your eating habits as your spending habits. Try writing down everything you eat for a minimum of five days. I can almost guarantee that you’ll find you’re eating more than you realize.
