Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Ash Wednesday Grazing

It's Ash Wednesday, woe is me I broke my abstinence by eating an extra abundance of toasted almonds and potato chips at different times. I didn't get ashes on my forehead either. Not the best way to start the Lenten season. I need to make amends. Tomorrow is Day 1. Back to the drawing board.

Read what Jillian Michaels has to say about grazing:

Curb Mindless Eating Okay, you've all heard the term "grazing" — you know, picking at food throughout the day instead of (or in addition to) eating regular meals. This constant, indiscriminate eating — especially when you're focused on another task, such as talking on the phone or watching TV — is the downfall of many a committed dieter, but it doesn't have to be. If you're piling on pounds because you eat when you're distracted or bored, rather than when you're actually hungry, try the following tactics to break the habit.

To curb daytime grazing:
Don't eat while you're standing up, in the car, or on the go or when you don't have time for a full, proper meal. If you sit down at mealtime and pay attention to every bite, you will be more relaxed, you'll notice when you're satisfied so that you won't overeat — and you'll actually enjoy your food! Don't skip meals. I mean it. You might think you're saving yourself calories, but it will only leave you famished and more likely to consume extra calories later on to feel full. To curb nighttime grazing: Why do most people graze at night? Because they're bored. If you've been thinking about taking up knitting, crossword puzzles, Ping-Pong, or some other hobby that will keep your brain busy in the evening, now is the time to do it. Brush your teeth. Food never seems quite as appealing when you have that fresh, minty toothpaste taste in your mouth. Try a cup of hot tea; the warm liquid in your stomach can help you feel satiated.

I am sitting here drinking my nice hot cup of decaf green tea with cinnamon. If only I had done this instead of grazing today.

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