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Follow Health, Not Hunger
Are you really hungry? Is your head or your stomach doing the talking? While
some things may look really yummy to eat, they may not be the right decision for
your body. Determining when you actually need to eat versus when you just want
to eat requires you to train your body and your brain to cooperate.
As
you eye that candy bar sitting on the counter, you suddenly think you are
hungry. However, it just may be something you want to eat instead of what you
need to eat. Put the candy bar down and step away from the counter. Taking the
time to think about what you need to eat is an imperative step when making the
right decisions regarding when and what to eat.
In order to lose or
maintain your weight, you need to be conscientious about what you put in your
body. Consume products that follow the food pyramid:
-
6-11 servings from the Bread, Cereal, Rice and
Pasta Group
-
3-5 servings from the Vegetable Group
-
2-4 servings from the Fruit Group
-
2-3 servings from the Milk, Yogurt and Cheese
Group
-
2-3 servings from the Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry
Beans, Eggs and Nuts Group
-
Sparingly use the Fats, Oils and Sweets
Group
Go so far as to choose smartly within each of the above
groups. Instead of having French fries, which fit in the Vegetable Group, have a
baked potato. Using wise decisions will keep you in good health and keep you
energized throughout the day.
When planning your day, consider what you
will eat and when. Preparing your mind for the day ahead will encourage it to
eat what your body needs. If you plan on having cereal and a banana for
breakfast, a salad at lunch and baked chicken with vegetables at dinner, stick
to that plan. If at some point you are hungry during the day, choose a smart
snack like fruit or a granola bar.
Eating the healthy foods you plan is
not too difficult. However, if you wait until you are starving hungry, then your
carefully thought-out strategy will be to no avail. Eat intermittently through
the day to keep your body satisfied. Take a recommendation to avoid the grocery
store when you are hungry. Grabbing and consuming those tempting items is much
easier on an empty stomach.
During meal time, sit at a table with your
food in front of you. Turn off the television and other distractions that absorb
your attention. When your mind is not focused on your food, you run the chance
of missing the signs that your stomach is content. Eat slowly and enjoy it.
Choosing health over hunger comes as a challenge to most people. Find
relief in the battle between what you want to do and what you should do by
practicing good eating habits. Concentrating on what you should do and making it
happen will give you a sense of accomplishment. Reaching your goal of leading a
healthier lifestyle is possible with focus and determination.