As many people become acquainted with the health risks of being overweight, they start to seek out solutions to lose that weight. However, dieting and exercise is only part of the solution. Dieters around the world aren’t sheading the pounds they thought they would!
Part of the problem is that Americans have some pretty nasty eating habits that “skinnier” parts of the world don’t have. We live in a country of abundance, and as such eat an abundance of food. Much of our weight comes from too many calories. However, it’s less about what you eat and more about how you eat. Here’s what I mean:
Eat
Many people believe that to lose weight they have to eat less. This is not true. When you suddenly start eating less than your body is accustomed to, your body will think it’s being starved. It will then go into “survival mode”.
This evolutionary trait picked up by man is when the body will conserve and store every bit of energy it can. Meaning you will hang on to your fat because your body thinks there will be no tomorrow. And when you resume your old eating habits, you’ll gain even more weight than before.
One word of advice though: learn serving sizes. Though eating less is bad, you can definitely eat too much. Eat enough food to satisfy your daily calorie needs, usually around 2000 calories.
Eat Slowly
Americans have this really bad habit of just snarffing down our food. Even the slower eaters are faster than the Europeans. By eating quickly, you are able to pack in alot of food into your stomach before it’s able to tell you it’s full. And by taking big bites, a lot of un-chewed food can put a burden on the stomach.
Take time to eat. Sit down and have a conversation with those around you. This will help you feel full when you are full but not stuffed. Your appetite will be sated and you won’t have eaten too much.
Pay Attention
However, don’t take too much time to eat that you get distracted. When the TV is on, or you’re with a large group of people, your body can forget that it’s eating and keep eating past its full point.
Taste Your Food
Right along with that, pay attention to how your food tastes. Those first few bites always taste good when you’re starving. However, there comes a point then eating becomes a chore. Your tongue will tell you when you’re full before your stomach will.
Take a Supplement
Most weight loss supplements are supposed to be taken with a meal. Some suppress the appetite, while others get the metabolism going in preparation for food. As well, take the supplement with a glass of water. Not only is water healthier than anything else, but it will fill some of your stomach and keep the cravings down.
Remember: you are what and how you eat!