Start Your Week Off Right: Mindful eating: 4 Simple Questions For Meal Time

Do you want to make sure you’re maintaining healthy eating habits? Ask yourself these questions when eating to make sure you stay on track.

Hungry?

Are you hungry because it’s time to fuel your body with the energy to carry out your daily activities. Or, think you’re hungry as a result of convenience, stress or boredom? These are a couple of the factors that can interfere with the ability to know when you are truly hungry. By being aware, you can determine whether eating is necessary or just something you’re doing mindlessly.

Overeating?

It’s important to not only consider what you’re eating, but also how much you’re eating. Even if you are making healthier choices, you may also be eating too much. Being aware of portion sizes, you can keep your eating in check throughout the day. When it comes to foods in packages, boxes or bags make sure you are aware of the serving size on the nutrition label. These items may contain a lot of unnecessary salt, added sugars and saturated fat.

General portions

• Cup = Size of fist

• Tablespoon = Tip of thumb (knuckle to tip)

• Teaspoon = Fingertip

• Half cup = Front of clenched fist

Choosing the healthiest option? 

It’s not always possible to choose what you’re eating for snacks and meals. Activities and personal commitments may not allow this. Sometimes, a burger at the tailgate is the only option. For these situations, you still want to be able to make good choices for yourself. Instead of skipping meals, try to make it a healthier option by limiting portion size or opting for vegetable toppings. By doing this, you may not be eating a perfectly healthy meal, but you’ve made the best choice possible.

Enjoying the food? 

Food should not only nourish the body, but also be satisfying to the palate. Fueling your body is important, we also want to make sure you are eating foods that taste good so you are satisfied with eating. You have to be careful of what you are eating, you should also incorporate your favorite foods for variety.

Want to learn more about healthy eating habits?
Click here for more information.

Chelsie Howe, MS, CHES is a Wellness Coach at UnityPoint Health – Trinity.

For a fully prepared, fresh, calorie controlled meal plan click here