Back on the blog + tips!

So, I'm finally back on the blog. No, I haven't given up. *winks* In the time I've been 'gone', I've only lost 3 pounds from the last number I posted because my eating habits have been fluctuating as of course my weight too. But I'm back on course and finding it's not so hard after all! I'd love to share a few mini dieting tips that have worked for me: Slooow dowwwn and put your fork/spoon down between bites - Its so easy in our fast paced and large portion size culture to just shovel it on in, but the problem with that is 1) Eating fast isn't good for our digestion of foods at all and 2) we tend to eat more if we just shovel it in, but we will most likely have that full feeling sooner if we take our time. In a rush? Then eatinf slow will still benefit you because you can most likely put the food in the fridge later for another mini-meal/snack. Portion size - already covered it slightly, but most of us (at least me) tend to go above the recommended 'serving size'. Just look it up online, it's easy to find. For instance pasta and meats shouldnt be the biggest section of our plate/bowl but rather a 'side'or accent. I think the recommended meat size (chicken or red meat) is no bigger than the size of your closed fist. I forget what it is for pasta/rice/etc, but it was a shocker. Read up on it for yourself. A big bonus to selecting healthy choices - You can enjoy more of it!! Think about it, you can pile a whole bowl of salad (not boring if you throw in fun additions such as nuts fruits egg etc) for probably less carbs/calories than 1 candy bar and there's no cravings afterwards except for maybe more healthy foods! Tea/water/coffee/etc - Drinking these healthy (dont overdo it on sugar or cream!) beverages intermittently can cut cravings and help you feel more full. Net time you're hungry soon after a meal OR right before a meal, have a drink! Am I really hungry/am I full? I honestly believe that the success key to dieting is all in the mind. When you want to go grab that late night or afternoon snack, ask yourself "Am I truly hungry or am I just bored/dissatisfied?" And when eating a meal, guage yourself. Dont eat mindlessly. If you feel full, then stop! You can always save it for later (or give it to the kids/hubby/or dog!). And finally, my favorite and shortest dieting addage: Eat to live, not live to eat!!