February Health Tip – Love what you eat!
February is all about
the love. And I’m not afraid to admit it
– I love food. While some people’s love
of food is more like lust or turns into addiction, I believe it is possible to
have a totally healthy love affair with food. It
doesn’t have to be a fling (or a binge) that leaves you feeling guilty
after. Follow these 5 tips for a
relationship with food that can go the distance:
Only eat foods you actually like.
This does not mean you should let your kids
skip their vegetables or that you should never try new things; it means that
you shouldn’t take in extra calories if you don’t enjoy them. To quote Anton Ego, famous food critic from
the Disney movie Ratatouille, “I don’t like
food I love food. If I
don’t love it I don’t swallow.” At a party I’m often over by the food table
and while some of it will be very good, some of it will not be that great but
for some reason I keep eating. My husband
is much smarter. He knows what he likes
so he may eat that one thing that he really enjoys but then he leaves the rest
alone. His way keeps him satisfied and
is much healthier in the long run. Don’t
mindlessly eat just because food is around.
Use portion control.
More does not equal better. The law of diminishing returns comes into
effect. I know this is a principle of
economics but it definitely applies to food.
Basically the law of diminishing returns means that adding more of one
thing (all others being constant) will at some point yield lower returns. For example that first bite of chocolate
ganache is amazing – a true delight to your taste buds. And it is wonderful in your mouth for the
next few bites. But as you keep eating each
bite is incrementally less delicious. At
some point it does not taste quite as good to you. It becomes too rich. And if you keep going you will feel gross and
sick. Isn’t it better to really enjoy
something and then quit while you are ahead, while you still love it?
Find ways to enjoy healthy foods.
Some people don’t like vegetables or
other healthy foods. Sometimes it is
because of the flavor and sometimes it is because of the texture. Challenge yourself to prepare vegetables in
different ways until you find a way that you like. My son doesn’t like raw carrots but he will
eat them if I cook them. Peppers are
just the opposite. You can try roasting,
grilling, boiling, sautéing, par-boiling, steaming and many other ways to cook
the same things. Don’t write off
something that could be good for you without trying it.
Plan ahead.
Take the time each week or month to plan ahead. Consider breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and
snacks with your schedule in mind. By
planning ahead you are in control of what you eat and you won’t find yourself
trapped with nothing but fast food as an option. Plus you can plan something that everyone in
your family will like.
Slow down and savor.
Try not to eat on the go but take the time to
sit down. Look at your food. Smell it.
Chew each bite and let the taste fill your mouth. Appreciate it. Not only will you enjoy it so much more, but
you will likely eat less. People who eat
slowly are more likely to maintain a healthy weight then people who chow down
quickly. Eating slowly gives your brain
time to realize that your stomach is full.
In this month of
hearts and love don’t make food the enemy.
Commit to following these steps and enjoy a great relationship with
food. Love what you eat and take care of
your body at the same time.
I hope you and all
the loves in your life have a wonderful month.
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