We’ve all done it. You start your day on the right path by waking up early to work out, and then proceed to throw it all down the drain by coming home from a tough afternoon at the office and eating an entire tub of cheese puffs. Soon after you realize that the risk was not worth the reward. Food should be pleasurable, and yet we allow it to tackle our willpower and lead us down a path that often ends in guilt. So we’ve put together some of our best tips and tricks in attempt to solve the enigma that is overeating.
Hydrate
It’s the oldest trick in the book, for more reasons than one. Often what is mistaken for hunger is really just thirst. Next time you’re “hungry”, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 20 minutes to stay ahead of a false feeling. Dehydration can also make you tired, which is conducive to overeating/craving empty calories. If drinking lots of water isn’t your thing, try biting into crunchy foods with high water percentages like cucumbers, peppers or even watermelon to kill two birds with one stone.
Keep Family Dinner Under Control
Ever go to dinner at your aunt’s house and, despite the fact that she made relatively harmless chips and guac, grilled salmon, couscous and angel food cake, you eat way more than you would have had you eaten dinner at home? The difference isn’t just the sheer volume of food made, but also its placement. Keeping food within arms reach is a mega tempter, so if you’re sitting around for hor d’oeuvres, plant yourself in a chair that requires more than just leaning forward to reach another handful of pita chips. If you’re hosting a get together, put all the serving dishes on the counter or a different table. It will keep you from going in for second and third helpings.
When You’ve Exhausted All Options- Make a Healthy Version
If you absolutely must have something to satisfy a craving, do whatever is in your power to up the health factor. Craving chocolate? Mix some coconut oil with unsweetened cocoa powder and stevia, mix in some nuts and dried fruit, and freeze it for some easy, healthy, chocolate bark. If thoughts of pasta are clogging your brain waves, opt for whole-wheat or quinoa pasta and top it with an organic, low-calorie tomato sauce and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you’re dying for a burger, season extra lean ground turkey and serve it on whole wheat bread or even a lettuce wrap.
The point is, don’t deprive yourself- get creative with how you can please your taste buds without totally ticking off your waistline.
Ask the Right Questions
Before diving head-first into tempting food, put your priorities into perspective by taking a step back and asking yourself some questions to determine whether you’re eating for sport, pleasure or nourishment. Use our flowchart for a quick and easy answer.
(Click on the photo to enlarge and/or print)
