How to Eat Less Effortlessly

It's a fact. We all tend to overeat at times for various reasons that range from sadness, to boredom to just plain insatiable hunger. However, I have discovered that there are several of ways that you can eat less, enjoy all of the foods you love and not worry about overeating. Give them a try and enjoy instant results.

Water down

Half an hour before you know that you are going to eat, drink at least 16 ounces of water. You have probably heard this tip time and time again, but you've been hearing it for a reason, it works! By drinking water your stomach feels full and signals to your brain that it is full and you will eat less. Sometimes we are not even hungry, bu rather just thirsty and do not even realize it. If you cannot stand the taste of water, try it with some lime, lemon or even sugar free drink mixes. Do whatever will influence you to drink it without adding calories. You can also eat a bowl of low sodium broth before your meal if you'd prefer.

Pack it up

If you're eating at home, put a reasonable amount of food on your plate and then pack the rest up and stick it in the refrigerator. Better yet, try to cook as little as possible, that way it's impossible to overeat and you will save money at the same time. If you're dining out at a restaurant, the portions are typically huge, so you can do one of two things. Either ask your server to bring you a container and immediately pack half of it up or do something gross to half of your food. As silly as it sounds, if you're heading back to work or school, it may be impossible to pack up your food so you're going to need to keep yourself from eating all over it. Pour some ketchup over half of your Alfredo for example, if you feel like you're going to keep eating it even though you're already full.

Brush up

When you know that you've had enough to eat, hurry up and get up from the table and head to the bathroom to brush your teeth. Your mouth will feel refreshed and your urge to eat will be gone. Furthermore, who likes taking another bite of chicken cacciatore when they have the taste of mint in their mouth?

Veggie Overload

This has to be one of my favorite tips of all time. Whenever you're cooking, sneaking tons of veggies into whatever you're making. For example, if I make pasta, I put tons of zucchini, spinach, broccoli etc into the sauce to add substance. Then I take my normal serving and am actually eating less pasta because I am eating so many veggies. It really tricks the brain!

Eat

The biggest way to avoid overeating is to eat in the first place. Don't allow yourself too get too hungry or you're probably going to overeat. Take care of yourself and eat three well rounded meals each day without waiting too long in between meals. You may think that you are eating less calories by skipping breakfast or lunch but you are probably making up for it and then some at your next meal.

Remember not to obsess and to create a healthy relationship with food. Once you start a healthy routine and get used to it, it will simply become secondhand nature. These tips will definitely get your on the road to good health and good eating!