As a good old, red blooded, testosterone filled, tough guy I was sitting around reading Women's Health not long ago. I sacrifice for your knowledge, don't judge.
They had a shocking stat from the CDC. 80 percent of the people who reduced their weight and kept it off had one thing in common. Can you guess what out was?
They ate less.
Crazy, I know!
Then, they had a list of ways to help eat less. I thought these were some great tips and I wanted to put my twist on them.
1. Turn off the tube
Researchers have found that you eat 300 calories more if you eat while watching TV. Makes sense doesn't it?
You get distracted and just start mowing through your meal. I can't tell you how many times I will be screaming at Snooki that that man is bad for her, oh I mean yelling at football, and look down and my food will be gone.
Is Snooki even on TV any more? I'm not up on things.
I won't even remember eating my food sometimes because I was so focused on the TV. Not good.
2. Slow down
Research has also shown you will eat 10 percent less calories per meal if you simple breathe in between bites. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to tell you that you are full, so let that part kick in. This will help you avoid that "I ate so much I'm dying" feeling.
3. Serve snacks in a dish
Never straight out of the box or bag. If you're like me, you're too lazy to go back across the room to get more food. Just take out a reasonable portion and put the rest away.
4. Visualize a hearty meal
This one was a new one to me. They recommend visualizing a big meal (like a big steak) when you get hungry. If it is not appetizing, chances are you are just thirsty or bored.
5. Get a change of scenery
Australian researchers found that eating Vegemite can decrease your will to live by 67%. I may have jut made that up.
They also found that visual distractions can curb your appetite too. Next time you're really hungry and it's not meal or snack time, go for a walk (preferably not to the fridge). You can also listen to some music, call a friend, etc… Anything to take your mind off it.
Sometimes that little distraction is enough to help you defeat the craving.
