Eating a healthy diet is obviously important for overall health and well-being. However, it’s also important to enjoy the foods you eat and not feel guilty or restricted. I’m not a huge fan of offering my kids a lot of treats but I also know they’ll probably get them someplace else anyways. My goal and hope is that if I don’t always restrict, my kids won’t have “food issues.” I’m not a believer in teaching bad vs good. I believe it’s important for them to learn how they WANT and LIKE TO feel for themselves. And how to self regulate. I love seeing them turn down food when they aren’t hungry. I don’t make comments on what they eat and trust they are capable. It’s not always easy for me and I can’t always control my environment, but I have to be able to make my decisions regardless of food temptations. And they are everywhere!
3 Things I focus on:
1- How I DON’T want to feel. We’re all very familiar with that feeling and I don’t like it!!
2- How I WANT to feel. I really love not feeling stuffed and love when I eat balanced, yummy and filling foods that are within my caloric budget
3- Plating my meal early and sitting down to enjoy it really helps me. Snacking is a trap and rarely turns out good for me. I tend to over consume and don’t feel as full or satisfied.
This is not always easy! Worth it? Yes!! Try it!
A few other ideas for how to avoid over consuming food…
1. Use Smaller Plates and Bowls
One of the easiest ways to avoid over consuming food is to use smaller plates and bowls. Research has shown that people tend to eat more when they are given larger portions, even if they don’t realize it. By using smaller plates and bowls, you can help control your portion sizes and avoid overeating.
2. Eat Slowly and Mindfully
Another way to avoid over consuming food is to eat slowly and mindfully. Many people eat quickly and don’t pay attention to what they are eating, which can lead to overeating. By eating slowly and paying attention to your food, you can enjoy your meal more and give your body time to recognize when it’s full.
3. Plan Your Meals in Advance
Planning your meals in advance is another effective way to avoid over consuming food. When you plan your meals ahead of time, you can ensure that you have healthy options available and avoid making impulsive food choices. This can also help you control your portion sizes and avoid overeating.
Hope these tips help. You can check out my instagram post on this subject HERE
