Eat Less

Yesterday I wrote about moving more as a weight loss essential.  The other half of the equation is eating less.

Possibly the most obvious way to eat less is to… reduce portion sizes!  Maybe we try having half a sandwich or a smaller scoop of potato salad.  Some folks find success using smaller plates, but we have to remember that food has three dimensions—a giant heap rising a foot high off a small plate is still a large portion.

A somewhat counter-intuitive way of eating less is to eat more… fiber, at least.  Preferably in the form of veggies.  If we eat a whole bunch of leafy greens, we get full and have less actual physical space in our bodies for higher-calorie foods.  Fiber-rich whole grains can also help us feel full longer.

Water is also an excellent help in this department.  It has no calories, reduces thirst (often mistaken for hunger), keeps us hydrated (and thus less crabby), and gives us a sense of fullness.  If it helps, we can make it fancy with bubbles or a slice of lemon or cucumber.

Once we’ve done these things, we may find that we begin to lose weight.  If not, we will have to look a little harder at what we’re eating.  We may be getting more calories than we think from alcohol, sugar, and hidden fats.

As always, I’m here to help with both the moving more and the eating less.