Eat Smart: The first step towards healthy eating

Paying attention to what you eat and choosing foods that are both nourishing and enjoyable helps support an overall healthy diet. It's not just what you eat, but how you eat. Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”.

Take time to chew your food: Reconnect with the joy of eating. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of what is in our mouths. Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite.

Listen to your body: Eating just enough to satisfy your hunger will help you remain alert, relaxed and feeling your best, rather than stuffing yourself into a “food coma”! It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly. Ask yourself if you are really hungry, and stop eating when you feel full.

Eat early, eat often: Also, eating small, healthy meals throughout the day, rather than the standard three large meals, can help keep your metabolism going and ward off snack attacks. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can jump start your metabolism, and eating the majority of your daily caloric allotment early in the day gives your body time to work those calories off.

Avoid stress while eating: Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or light candles and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn.

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