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Heartwings Love Notes 970 - When Less is More

Heartwings says, "You may only need a small amount to enjoy a tasty treat."

A long time ago I read an interesting book about how someone successfully lost weight and kept it off without depriving herself of the foods she enjoyed, like ice cream, pie or cake. She practiced what she called the three bite method. She allowed herself three bites or spoonsful of any treat she craved. For the rest, she ate moderately of a healthy range of proteins, vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates. It has been my experience that portion control plus the three bite method has helped me lose excess pounds and then kept me at a healthy weight.

Little tricks like reducing the amount of oil when stir frying and then adding water instead of more olive oil helps lower the ultimate total of calories. Drinking water when hungry is a good way to put off snacking, too. Another trick is to drink some water before eating; you begin filling your stomach as well as hydrating yourself. Nuts make a good, healthy, satisfying snack. I try to avoid sugar because when I indulge in it, it makes me want more. I know it's not good for me, so I allow myself only a small amount and try to avoid eating sweets at night, especially.

When I do have a little of some tasty treat I satisfy my desire. I also avoid taking more just because it had tasted good. For me, the best taste experience is in those first three bites. When I was a child, I was always encouraged to finish what was on my plate. The so called "pity the starving children in China" was one of the trite and certainly specious statements used to encourage me to do so. Finishing my plate today might mean eating more than I need to. I try to pay attention to how much is enough when I eat a meal, and I'm not ashamed not to finish if my body says not to.

Less food can be more satisfying, especially when eaten slowly and chewed well. The old adage to "chewy our liquids and liquefy your solids" while sounding extreme, is an important reminder to slow down. It also helps my digestion to incorporate more digestive enzyme bearing saliva into what I am eating or drinking. I try to remember to put my fork down between bites as well, so as to finish chewing before taking in more food. In addition, I feel it is important to be grateful for good food and to honor the source of it with gratitude. When I take the time to taste my meals and to savor them, not only do I eat less, but I also enjoy what I am eating more.

May you enjoy your favorite foods even more when you practice moderation.

Do you have ways you can share that help you with your dietary considerations? Please share? I so enjoy hearing from readers. Please write to me with comments questions or suggestions, at: tashahal@Aol.com and for more love notes, visit my webpages at www.heartwingsandfriends.com.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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