Weight Loss Tip #36: Don’t Multi Task
If you are worried about gaining weight, there are many different habits you can get yourself into when it comes to watching what you eat. Often times we become distracted with the screen in front of us, or the conversation we are indulging in that we forget how much we are actually eating. Multi tasking while eating can come with some serious repercussions to your waistline such as overeating the wrong foods. There is nothing wrong with eating your sweet treat every now and then, but overdoing it while distracted can cause a set back. There is a lot to be said for enjoying your food, and being conscious about every bite you take with thanks. Eating while distracted whether it be watching television or eating at your desk while at work does nothing but harm in the long run.
Crumbs are more than likely lodged in between your keys at your computer due to the amount of days spent eating there. (We are all guilty of this). You may feel like you are getting work done, and eating your lunch at the same time but is not the healthiest way to go about your lunch hour. There is a difference between being efficient with your time and multi tasking when it comes to eating, so don’t feel pressured to save time in this regard.
Try To Enjoy
Savor each bite, and really taste the flavors of your food. That is a new concept for many people due to the fast paced lifestyle that we are all living in today. The more conscious you are about your food intake, the less likely you are to overeat. You will also enjoy the flavors so much more than you did before, and that is half of the joy when it comes to food. It is true that hunger is not the only initiating factor when it comes to when and how much we eat, so creating a good environment for that consumption is key.
Helpful Hints
- Set a timer in your kitchen and sit down to eat a full meal with no distractions (such as screen time, or phone calls etc.). By sitting down and really focusing on the task at hand (eating) you will not mindlessly indulge.
- Before eating at all, ask yourself if you are really hungry and if you should eat at that present moment. If the answer is “yes, I am hungry” then sit down and mindfully eat the food in front of you. If the answer is “not really” then don’t eat until you really are going to enjoy that snack or meal.
- Try eating with your opposite hand! This may sound crazy, but it will slow you down and make you more aware of the food you are putting in your mouth!
- Have a food journal. This is a simple task that requires a little organization, and it will come in handy when you look back at the food you have had in the last week. It will force you to recall the meals or snacks you ate.
- Chew your food well, and take small bites. You are not in a race; so do not feel the pressure to shovel food into your mouth as fast as you can! Enjoy, and you digestive track will thank you!
Eating should require time, space, and preparation so give that to yourself next time you eat! Prepare, and enjoy the flavors of your food!
