A few years ago, I caught myself thinking I hadn’t eaten enough special treats for the holidays. Then it occurred to me that I wasn’t hungry; it just felt like it was the thing to do. So I sat down and wrote out some questions to answer before I made a decision about my food choices:
Why am I eating this?
If it’s because I’m hungry:
- Am I eating this because I need fuel to keep my body healthy?
-If so, which food group from the pyramid does it come from?
-Have I eaten enough servings from that food group today?
- Am I eating the appropriate serving size? Check the food label!
- Am I getting an appropriate balance of foods today?
If I’m not hungry:
- Am I eating this because I’m emotional?
- Am I eating this because I’m stressed?
- I can’t figure out why I’m eating this.
If so, I take a 5-minute break to walk or sit alone undisturbed to meditate before eating and then decide if I really want the food.
I want to eat it just because it tastes good and it’s available and I’m craving it: Okay! But eat one serving size and enjoy every bite of it. It’s better to eat it now than deprive myself and binge later on something less satisfying.
For more healthy eating tips, check out http://www.choosemyplate.gov/index.html
This is what works for me, so take time to figure out a plan that will help you make healthy holiday food choices!
And if you want to get active and not be alone, join my MeetUp group for women called Get Out & Play! Go to: http://www.meetup.com/Get-Out-Play/ create a profile, join Get Out & Play and RSVP to any event you want to participate in!
