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.
