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Food, exercise, portion control, activities, water, and on and on. All these things contribute to whether we maintain our weight or lose more or gain more. The amount of food, the type of food, when we eat, what physical activity we get – we all know these are important.
If we want to lose weight, we must have the right relationship with food. Does that sound funny? It did to me the first time I heard it – a relationship with food? Then I started thinking – what was my relationship with food? It comforted me when I was sad. It gave me an outlet when I was mad. It kept me company when I
was lonely. It gave me something to do when I was bored. And it celebrated with me when I was happy. Yep, that is definitely a relationship!
What should my relationship with food be? It should be nourishment to keep me healthy. My body has a need for food. It knows it has eaten when I taste the food, I feel the texture of the food, I smell the food, and I enjoy the time eating the food. Trouble is, I don’t. That is, I do not pay attention when I eat. I work at the computer, drive my car, watch TV, and a myriad of other things when I eat. Often, I will reach for another bite and be amazed that it is all gone! and I don’t even remember eating it – much less enjoying it. No wonder my body (or mind) decides it is hungry! Then I go get another serving.
The solution is to eat when you eat – don’t do anything else. Pay attention to the food, the smell. Put smaller bites in your mouth. Chew it – taste it – enjoy it. Be aware that you are eating and enjoying it.
This might seem like a small thing. You, like me, may feel you don’t have time to stop and eat. But try it. I find that I do not ‘crave’ food as much. I can actually remember eating lunch and what I ate for lunch. Portion control is easier – I don’t have to go get another serving to be satisfied.
Do you have similar eating habits? Let us know – leave a comment.
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Tags: eating, Eating Habits, emotional eating, exercise, food, Food Control, habits, health, Lose Weight, Maintain Weight, Nourishment, Physical Activity, portion control, Type Of Food, Weight Lose, Weight Loss
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