I came across an article today on Yahoo Health that I wanted to add some commentary too (in italics) as it offers some good and some bad that you can apply to your diet (don’t apply the bad stuff though)
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So much of what we look like is impacted by what we put in our mouths. The tricky thing is that food is connected to us as emotional beings so much more then exercise (I am setting up an interview with Dr. Kara Mohr to discuss this – I’ll let you know the details as soon as I know more). Yes, some people blow off stress by taking a run, but most of us would just rather reach for a donut, slice of pizza or scotch and soda.
I think the food puzzle needs to be unraveled simply and slowly so that our approach is simple but realistic to our lives.
1. Drink only water, with the exception of your beloved coffee in the morning. According to studies, this would eliminate 20% of our caloric intake and help all of our body functions run more smoothly. (Good advice – that’s why it is one of the 6 Pillars of Nutrition)
2. Cut down your portions
I’m not even going to say what to eat and not eat. I’m just saying if you are having that sub at lunch cut it in half. We all overeat, so just eat until you are full. I’ts difficult to do, so halve the food and get it away from you. If it’s sitting there you will want to eat it. (This can be hard – I would rather have you switch what you are eating to a more vegetable based diet so you can keep your portion sizes up)
3. Don’t skip breakfast
You will have a 70% chance of overeating throughout your day if you skip breakfast.
4. Keep a food journal
This will help you see exactly what you are eating and when. You will even be able to see patterns of grabbing food at stressful moments, etc. Journaling just makes you aware and in charge of your food–not the other way around. (Journaling is good but having a plan for hte week is even better as it is more proactive)
5. If you can avoid it, don’t eat after 7 p.m.
On business dinners or birthday gatherings don’t worry about it. But when you can, try to finish eating earlier in the day.
See, that’s not hard to do. Now as you progress in this area, I have some other rules to help you improve your relationship with food.
* Don’t eat fast food (unless you have no other choice).
* Avoid microwaving your meals. Cook it yourself.
* Limit tons of sugar and wheat-based products (in anything).
* No diet, or fat-free, food. They contain a lot of ingredients that no one can pronounce.
* Fill your plate during the day with foods of all colors.
* Eat slowly and chew your food well. (I’m not convinced this has EVER worked for anyone)
* Eat when you are hungry and not because you are sad, mad, or stressed out.
* Limit your red meat intake.
* Foods that have a 10-year shelf life should not be eaten. Go for the real stuff.
* Don’t snack yourself to weight gain. Eat real meals that are satisfying, not snacky foods that will kill your waistline and make you feel blah.
5 Easy ways to Start a Diet [Yahoo Health]
