Where do you eat dinner? Are you usually parked in front of the TV? If so, clean off the table and move mealtime where it belongs. Whether you are trying to slow down your eating, chew more thoroughly, or savoring each bite it's easier to do it without the distraction of the boob tube. Even better, gather the whole family at the table and share time together. There is plenty of research that shows eating at the table can help you better manage your weight, improve meal quality, and help your kids do better in school and stay out…
Try a new fruit or vegetable.
The farmers markets are in full swing and now is the time to experiment. Walk up and down the aisles and check out the produce. Chances are you can find something you've not tried before. Look for regional produce or ethnic foods. If you're not sure how to prepare it, ask the folks behind the counter for suggestions or go to the internet for information and recipes. Try it, you'll like it!
Put away the salt shaker
Did you know the average American consumes more than 3,500 mg of sodium daily? That's a little more than 1.5 teaspoons of salt! The recommendation from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is less than 2,300 mg a day. If you already have high blood pressure, it is recommended that you aim to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day. In addition to reducing the amount of salt you add to your food, purchase foods that are labeled "no salt added", "reduced sodium", or "low sodium". They will still contain some sodium but not as much as…
If there’s food in your mouth, there should be no food in your hand
This tip comes from a friend of ours, Will Clower, who is a proponent of the Mediterranean diet (www.willclower.com). Think about this tip. Most of us eat too fast and then we eat too much. If you have had weight loss surgery, you know how unpleasant this can be. We need to slow down the eating machine and eat until we are no longer hungry, not full. You can't experience the feeling of no longer hungry if you eat dinner in 7 minutes. Don't pick up your fork, spoon, or food until you have swallowed the food in your…
Drink Your Water
With the weather warming up it gets easier to drink fluids but you may still not be getting enough fluids to stay well hydrated. Some of your daily fluid needs comes from the food you eat but if you have had weight loss surgery you will need to drink more fluids to compensate for the decreased amount of food you are eating. Drinking enough water can help you manage your weight, prevent constipation problems, and keep your energy levels up.
Take A Time Out
Remember when you were in kindergarten and you had to take a rest time? Just because we are grown up doesn't mean we don't need rest time. You will be more productive at work if you take a break and change the scenery. You will be more easier to live with at home if you take some time to slow down and catch your breath. Even the Energizer Bunny doesn't run forever so take a time out to recharge your batteries.
