A Moment on the Lips…
January 17, 2010 by Joe Gigantino
“Obesity is a condition which proves that the Lord does not help those who help themselves and help themselves and help themselves…” ~ Author Unknown
We’ve all heard the saying “A moment on the lips… forever on the hips.” So true! Have you ever found yourself at a Mexican restaurant eating chips and salsa before your combination plate arrives? You may have sat down hungry, and once you started eating those chips, you just couldn’t stop. By the time your main meal arrives, you’re already full, yet you keep on eating. Then we find ourselves miserable for the next few hours! So why do we do it? Why have we turned eating into a national past time, rather than a human need?
Below are four basic reasons that you eat:
- Because you’re hungry. Your body is great at letting you know when its energy stores are low. The problem lies with knowing when to stop! If you’re thinking of going for that second helping – think again. It takes about 20 minutes for your “hunger light” to go off. Focus on what you’re eating and chew your food slowly. Wait 20 minutes before you go back for seconds.
- Because you’re emotional. Often we reward ourselves with unnecessary calories when we are happy. Many turn to food after stressful situations as well. Emotional eating adds those untold number of calories to your diet, which then turn into fatty deposits on your body.
- Because you’re social. Maybe you have friends who invite you to grab a slice of pizza with them. Since no one likes to eat alone, often we fill up our plates just because someone else is eating – peer pressure!
- Because you’re habitual. Can you sit in front of the TV without snacking on something – regardless of whether you’re hungry or not? Who can watch a movie without your mind going to “where’s the popcorn?” As humans we love to form habits, and when your habits involve eating extra calories, and then your waistline suffers for it.
Tip #1: If you’re in the work force, rather than grabbing fast food on your way to work or during your lunch hour, spend a few minutes the night before planning on what you’ll eat for breakfast the next morning and even prepare your “brown bag” with healthy low calorie choices – not just for lunch, but for healthy snacking throughout your work day. Your waist line and your wallet will thank you!
Tip #2: Try down-sizing your plates so that your mind doesn’t tell you to fill your food to the edges. Did you know that the average size plate in the 70s was 9 inches – that’s 3 inches less than the average size plate today! No wonder we’re an obese society! Start using your smaller plates for your main meals.
Tip #3: Keep a food diary. When you see how many things actually go in your mouth each day, you’ll be appalled! Just like when you see how much money you spend on frivolous or ridiculous items, you’ll notice that you’ve been filling your body with an enormous amount of “indulgence calories” without giving it a second thought.
Here is my challenge to you: Take the time to examine why you are eating, and choose to only eat when you’re truly hungry.
This small action has the potential to dramatically improve your physique in 2010. Remember that improving your diet is only half of the equation when it comes to reshaping your body. The quickest and most permanent results are achieved when good eating habits are partnered by a challenging exercise program. It’s almost February – you still have time to get in shape for spring! What are you waiting for?
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