I just read this on an Iowa blue zones e-mail and thought it was great advice:
FOLLOW THE 80 PERCENT RULE.
Blue Zones® learned that residents of Okinawa, Japan, have a smart strategy for maintaining a healthy weight. Before meals they say "hara hachi bu," which means to stop eating when you're 80 percent full. Studies show that cutting back on calories can lead to better health, longevity, and weight loss. By practicing hara hachi bu, you can:
Mindlessly cut 20 percent of your caloric intake
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Reduce the risk of heart disease.
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TOP 5 TIPS TO BETTER EATING.
Though some people gain weight by stuffing themselves too full, most of us gain 10 pounds every 10 years by eating just a little bit too much every day without even thinking about it. Here are easy ways to cut back on calories and eat more mindfully:
Downsize your dinnerware. The size of your plates and glasses can actually cause weight gain. Try using 10" plates and tall narrow glasses to consume significantly less - without even thinking about it.
Soup's on! Nutritious soups with fiber-rich veggies leave you feeling full and satisfied, and can boost your health and weight-loss efforts too.
Snack on nuts. A handful of nuts give you a dose of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats. Studies have shown that eating nuts may reduce your risk of heart disease and could even increase your lifespan.
(or add it to your meal plate instead)
Eat an early, light dinner. By eating a light dinner earlier in the evening, you'll give your body plenty of time to digest the food before bed. This practice not only promotes better sleep, but can even lower body mass index (BMI). To learn more about a healthy BMI, visit
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/.
Slow down and be mindful of your food. Instead of eating on the run or in front of the computer or TV, sit down at a table to enjoy your food. You'll learn to savor a meal, become aware of what you're consuming, and as a result, eat less.
I guess this doesn't work unless you actually do it.
Please pray for me