About controlling food

Controlling the amount of food you consume is a major factor in losing weight and maintaining good health.

Controlling The Lust for Food

Control - This is a difficult word for many of us when it comes to food. It applies to practically everyone, not only those who are overweight. Let's face it, even if you have no weight issues, no doubt there have been occasions when you have stuffed yourself to the point of exhaustion, bloating or even heartburn. So how can you control the love you have towards food?

It wasn't meant to be easy. Let's say you lust after alcohol. You can always control yourself by not buying it, avoiding pubs and bars and not keeping any stock in your home. You can't do the same with food though-your body needs it. How easy it is to go to a supermarket or restaurant and end up buying more food than you need.

Step outside and you see food stalls or eateries everywhere. Go into a mall to do some innocent shopping but the food courts beckon you. This is when you have to have nerves of steel. If you know there is a food court somewhere in the mall you are visiting, simply avoid going to that floor. If you go anywhere near, the tempting smell will get to you. Sometimes, it's harder when you have company as you shop. When one person gets hungry, the others have no choice but to accompany that person to a food court. Friends also tend to chat over food and this doesn't help.

In a restaurant though, having someone to share food is a good idea. You can check the portion of a dish by asking the waiter (at the expense of looking cheap!) and then if possible, order one dish to be shared by two. This saves so much waste too.

Learn to eat slow. If you eat like a starved person, you don't realize that you're going above the limit until you have finished the meal. Take time to savor the flavors and to chew properly. Then you'll be more receptive to the message from the digestive system saying 'enough!' Don't multitask as you eat. If you are reading a paper, chances are you will keep on stuffing yourself until the fashion segment is fully read. By focusing completely on what you eat, you will be able to control the intake better.

You can also help yourself by remembering what you ate on a given day. For instance, if you recall eating 2 doughnuts in the morning, it can make you guilty enough to avoid eating junk food in the evening. If you aren't disciplined enough to follow a nutritious meal plan, simply reminding yourself what you ate during the day can do the trick. If you haven't had any veggies or fruits from morning, consider including those in your dinner. It all comes down to a well balanced meal.

Article Summary- Controlling the lust for food is perhaps more important than following a diet plan. If only it is that easy! This article gives you some practical tips to avoid gluttony habits.