Before you head for the kitchen, are you REALLY hungry?

I used to often find myself eating when I wasn't truly hungry. I'm not sure where I picked up this habit (maybe the Ol' Clean Plate Club), but it's one that I've almost broken and I'm excited about it....I've found that breaking this habit really requires the formation of another habit - thinking before you eat. Many people eat when they are bored - I've heard many people say that they just 'find' themselves in the kitchen. Also, eating is such a social event much of the time that people will order a meal because everyone else is, or pick at the appetizers just because they are in front of them even though their bodies don't need the food to survive or thrive. Here are a few things to consider before you wander into the kitchen in your home or the cafeteria at work this week...my challenge to you is to follow the plan below for a one week and see if it begins to become somewhat automatic! And I would love to hear how it goes for you. It's working for me, and I think it will create a conscious thought process for many of you too.

Before you eat, ask yourself "AM I HUNGRY?"

• This is very simple. And the answer is even more simple. If you have to think about it whatsoever, the answer is NO, you are NOT hungry. If you are hungry, eat. If you aren't, DON'T. Your body will always tell you when you are hungry, you just have to listen to it!!!
• If you are finding yourself wandering to the kitchen and you are not hungry, use that opportunity to go for a walk or go work out. Now, instead of taking in calories that your body doesn't even need, you can take this chance to burn calories.
• Also, while you are eating, eat slowly and when you are no longer hungry, STOP. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your body to realize you are full, so enjoy your meal instead of scarfing it down. It's NOT going anywhere :)

That's all I have for today. Short and simple, but very powerful and life-changing if you choose to practice this. Come back tomorrow for some more ideas about small steps to create an active, healthy lifestyle.

Goodnight!