I want to be healthy, I do. But then I also want to eat my face off all the time. Be healthy, eat face off, be healthy, eat face off. Back and forth I go.
Here’re 10 simple steps to help take a healthier approach to healthy eating:
1. PUT the FOOD away
If I am having a treat after dinner one sure way to guarantee an all-out bingeing bender is to keep that food within reach. It seems like common sense, but sure if we had any of that we wouldn’t be eating pop tarts dipped in peanut butter, now would we?
2. Before you eat anything, DRINK something (not wine)
Your craving might be thirst disguised as hunger so drink some water… Nope still hungry.
3. Eat until you are 80 per cent full
Hara Hachi Bu is a Japanese saying that encourages us to pull back from stuffing in those final few bites. The ones that push us over the edge from pleased and satisfied to remorseful and nauseous. It takes our brains fully 20-30 minutes to realise that we are full, though I suspect my brain never hits this state of realisation.
4. Ask yourself this question: Is it worth it?
Some healthy people that I know swear by “fitspiration” the rather creepy practise of tapping a picture of a model or fitness guru inside your food cupboard or fridge. To me, this practise is a step too cray even for me but I do live by the “Is this worth it?” rule. Because sometimes the “it” in question is totally worth it, but sometimes it will stop me doing something regrettable like dipping popcorn into ice cream mindlessly, while watching TV.
5. Preparation, preparation, preparation
When I get ready to go out I usually make a fat vodka tonic while I’m getting ready. Instead I’m going to channel this talent for planning for the good of my health instead of the good of my inebriation. When heading out for dinner it is often recommended that would-be dieters keep their decisions in check by checking the restaurant’s menu online first. This is possibly the most depressing thing I have ever heard. Instead of totally ruining the enjoyment of perusing a menu I usually opt for some permutation or combination of the following: A starter and main OR a main and a desert, or starter, starter and dessert. Also it is worth asking for creamy sauces on the side and extra veggies. Basically just be a waiter’s worst nightmare.
6. Snack to the max
Always have a snack to hand so that when the urge to eat random crap strikes, you can have something far more filling, satisfying and healthy to take you through to the next feedbag (meal). Apple slices dipped in almond butter is my satisfying something something.
7. Don’t drink your calories
We’ve all heard this one but I’m going to amend it slightly. Only drink your calories if it’s worth it. Diet drinks while low on calories will just leave you craving more sugar. The lightest options for alcohol include champagne, red wine, martinis and spirits mixed with sparkling water and lime or lemon juice. Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for more interest.
8. DO something, anything
Are you guilty of eatertainment? This is eating out of boredom and I do it aLOT. Idle hands are more likely to reach for food that we don’t necessarily need so why not go for a walk or do something you’ve been putting off for a while or just paint your fingernails, that’ll keep the hands out of the crisps for at least 10 minutes. The same goes for eating when we are sad or stressed AKA emotional eating or emunch-tional eating if you will. Distraction is a great way to tackle mindless eating.
9. Spice up your life
If you like spicy food then now’s the time to amp up the chilli, which can increase your metabolism and helps us to feel fuller and more sated. Just make sure that you don’t accidentally over-chilli and render your meal inedible or rub your eye after handling chillies, chilli-eye can be a day-wrecker.
10. Curb the Carbs
Look they’re not evil or anything but fact is most of us (that’s right I’m dragging you all down with me) are probably over doing it on the carb front. Next time you’re making a pasta dish use half the amount of pasta per portion and bulk up the dish with courghetti or lots of extra veggies. It makes a dish considerably lighter while still being a great vehicle for the pasta sauce.
