With summer quickly approaching, many clients have been asking for ideas about how to manage their food intake. It seems the warmer weather has everyone focused on portion control and healthy eating. Following these simple strategies can help you get a handle on the amount of food you put in your body.
- Try pre-plating both meals and snacks. Don’t eat directly from the box or bag.
- Serve yourself 20% less than you think you might want. You can always go back for seconds if you still feel hungry.
- Serve food on smaller plates and bowls. Use long, tall glasses to create the illusion of more. Your body will think you are eating more.
- Increase your vegetable servings while decreasing the size of your other types of food. Vegetable are loaded with filling fiber and necessary vitamins and minerals that keep your body happy.
- Always shop with a list and try to avoid shopping while hungry.
- Eat in one room only without distractions from tv, phone and internet. Mindful eating helps you recognize the cues your body is full.
- Avoid supersizing meals unless you plan to share them. Even though it may be less expensive, the extra calories are not worth it.
- Unless you are allergic or avoiding a food for other health reasons, every food can have a place in your diet. If you eliminate all “comfort” foods, they become more tempting, often leading to over indulgence.
Putting some of these strategies in place now offers you the opportunity to have a stronger, healthier body by summer. Good Luck!
Photo from flickr.
