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When the weather outside is frightful, and
the fridge is so delightful, it might be time to learn to listen
to your body's hunger cues. Many people eat for comfort, or
out of boredom or when they're nervous or anxious. Sometimes,
the very thing that is making them anxious is the extra weight
they're carrying around. So, overeating when you're nervous
can become part of a vicious cycle. Healthy, fit and lean people
share some common traits, which we can all model after.
Here
are a few tips to bear in mind:
Eat when
you're hungry. Everyone's body sends out its own hunger cues.
So often, we fill up on empty calories and snack food and never
even give our bodies the chance to experience hunger. If you
eat out of habit chances are you aren't even truly hungry. Learn
your body's special hunger cues and experience the satisfaction
of eating when you're hungry.
Pay attention
to your food. Experts on digestion report that many people do
not thoroughly chew their food. Use your molars, your grinders,
and chew until the food you put into your mouth becomes liquid.
Eating more slowly and with increased consciousness is one way
to reframe your eating habits. Instead of gulping down food
and experiencing indigestion or heartburn afterward, you'll
benefit from better absorption of your meals. Thorough chewing
breaks down your food so that your body can tap the nutritional
value instantly.
Turn off
the TV. Don't watch television during your meals, and make mealtime
a special time when you enjoy the company of your loved ones.
If you eat alone, treat yourself to a special placemat and a
small vase of flowers picked fresh from your garden. Brighten
up your atmosphere and never allow the static of programmed
television to ruin a good meal.
Fit, lean
and healthy people take the time to enjoy their food. They eat
when they're hungry, they notice what goes into their mouths,
and they focus on the meal and the company with which they share
it. All of the above adds up to a fine dining experience, indeed.
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