Holiday parties, and family feasts are simply amazing!

Not only in the abundance of yummy food, but the ambience, beloved people, decorations and just the festivities of the season. So because of this it’s pretty common to indulge during these periods, and you know what I say to that, health permitting!

BUT then it doesn’t end there. At times we not only indulge, but over indulge on “regular” days, meals, like all the time!

So if you DON’T want to worry about overeating, I can help you put an end to your worries now, with these easy common sense tips. Remember, I’m not interested in stopping you from eating- just from over-eating and over-eating food group proportions 😉

Here are three tips to avoid overeating at meals.

(Psst, turn these into habits and ditch the willpower!)

Tip #1: Start with some water 

With your tummy already growling and then you smell simply the simply delightful aroma of food, it’s super easy to fill your plate or even start grazing (bare hand sampling). But like I’ve shared with you before, do you know it’s easy to confuse thirst with hunger? I mean sure, if you haven’t eaten in a while, of course you’re hungry, but you’re also thirsty. So your stomach may also be desperate for some water than a huge meal.

Some studies have shown that drinking a glass or two of water before a meal can help reduce the amount of food eaten. And this easy and simple tip may even help with weight loss (almost “duh”, right?).

Water will not only start to fill you up before you get to the table, leaving less room for the food, but drinking enough water keeps you hydrated and has been shown to slightly increase your metabolism! Nice!

Tip #2: Try eating “mindfully”

You’re probably familiar with mindfulness, but do you apply that to your eating habits?

This will help you overcome overeating as well as having the added bonus of helping your digestion. How?

The same way that being mindful when you reflect and rest helps to focus your attention on your breathing and the present moment, being mindful when you eat helps you focus your attention on your meal to break it down properly and give your digestive system and healthier process to absorb nutrients and get rid of waste.

You achieve this by taking smaller bites, eating more slowly, chewing more thoroughly, and savouring every mouthful. Notice and appreciate the smell, taste and texture. Breathe.

This can help prevent overeating because eating slower often means eating less.

When you eat quickly you can easily overeat because it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to know that your stomach is full.

So take your time, pay attention to your food and enjoy every bite.

Bonus points: Eat at a table (not in front of the screen), off of a small plate, and put your fork down between bites.

Tip #3: Start with the salad

You may be yearning for that rich, creamy main dish.

But wait. Really. Start with the salad.
(Don’t worry, you can have some…just after you’ve eaten your salad).

Veggies are a great way to start any meal because they’re full of not only vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and health-promoting phytochemicals but they also have some secret satiety weapons: fiber and water.

Fiber and water are known to help fill you up and make you feel fuller.  They’re “satiating”.

And these secret weapons are great to have on your side when you’re about to indulge in a large meal.

Summary:

Have your glass of water, eat mindfully, and start with your salad to help avoid overeating at meals.

Recipe (Infused Water):

Tasty (and beautiful) Pre-Meal Water Ideas
If you’re not much of a plain water drinker or need your water to be more appealing to your senses, here are five delicious (and beautiful looking) fruit combos to add to your large glass of water:
Slices of Strawberries & Orange
Slices of Lemon & Ginger
Blueberries & Raspberries
Slices of apple & a Cinnamon Stick
Chopped Pineapple & Mango

Tip:
Also, buy a bag/several bags of frozen chopped fruit and put those in your cup, or super cool bottle or jar at the beginning of your day. They”ve already been washed and cut, and will help keep your water colder for longer period of time.

References:
https://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-of-water/
http://summertomato.com/the-science-behind-mindful-eating-what-happens-to-your-body-during-a-mindful-meal

B.T.Dubs. If you haven’t had a chance to try our Passion Barre classes yet, we’d love to host you! Freedom and the sweet after burn has been spreading like a wildfire since we introduced Rancho Cucamonga to the barre! Your first trial class is only $15, or you have the option to try 3 Classes for $33. We’ll donate a portion of that to our partners who rescue women and children from human trafficking, so click here to reserve.
In Southern California, we serve Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Fontana, Ontario, Claremont, Montclair, Corona, Eastvale, Mira Loma, Riverside, Pomona and other surrounding cities. See you at the Barre 😉