1) Don’t measure your food, portion it
Portioning your food doesn’t mean that you have to take a scale or some measuring cups with you when you go out to dinner. Portioning means that you shouldn’t gorge yourself with food every time you sit down to eat. But until you can develop that sixth sense about stopping when your stomach says “that’s enough”, just order a couple of appetizers (instead of two entrees) when you’re out with your significant other, family, or friends.
Here’s another tip: set a goal (one small to-go box) then you can grab all of the food that fits in that box. Stuff it full. It might seem like you’re indulging but even if you are, you won’t overeat.
2) Craving sweets?
Repeat after me: “Fruit is my candy”. When you are craving something sweet, grab an apple instead. While fruits still contain natural sugar, they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. So instead of hiding candy bars in your desk, pack away some fruit for your sweet tooth.
3) Brush right after dinner
If you brush your teeth right after you finish your dessert or dinner, you’ll be less likely to eat a snack before bed. Believe it or not, this works. Instead of having to brush your teeth again, you’re just going to forgo that extra snack (Way to feed off of our laziness, psychologists!). Not that it’s an annoying or lengthy errand, but brushing my teeth sometimes seems tedious and I would rather spend that time in bed with a good book.
4) Put on your skinny jeans
Humor me for a second, okay? I was watching one of those cheesy sitcoms one night while I was snacking on ...ahem, carrot sticks... and one of the characters talked about how wearing jeans that were snug on her helped her to eat less. Since the fabric didn’t give, she could tell when to stop eating.
I thought that was absolute genius! That’s when I decided that I needed to make little changes like this into my life. These little tips are easy, quick, and made exercise and diet that much easier. So I put my Cheetos (I mean, carrot sticks) away and ran to my closet.
5) Water and cucumbers
If you’re hungry, drink a glass of water. If you’re still hungry after that then get yourself a little snack. Our brains get confused sometimes. When we are actually thirsty, sometimes it gets registered as hunger.
Along the same lines, why not keep a pitcher or a cold carafe which means an open-topped glass container for serving water or wine at the table full of water and sliced cucumbers on the table while you are reading, watching TV, or just in the fridge for a treat. Not only that, it’s really pretty and nice to look at.
Written By: J. Bernardo
Image: zarajay
