Today's Tip: Never Say Die(t)!

Everywhere you look there's a new and improved no-fail weight loss strategy that you "just have" to try.  My suggestion?  Back to the basics - simply consider "YOUR" diet, not "A" diet.  Try these 4 simple strategies to help you get started with an "anti"-diet. 

ID YOUR HUNGER
Eat when you are hungry...not when you are bored, sad or feeling celebratory.  Eat when you have the physical, stomach-starting-to-rumble feeling - that's when you know it's truly food that you need.

TABLE THE LABELS
Not the labels ON the food, but your personal labels of "guilt" or "no guilt" foods.  Do you say you just can't have that box of cookies in the house or you'll eat the whole thing?  Well, anti-diet proponents say that food loses its power over you when it's available 24-7.  One lady, Michelle, said she was sure she had an insatiable appetite for cookies.  But the first time she gave herself permission to eat as many as she wanted, she was surprised that she was satisfied after only three.  By day four the cookies were already less tempting, and after a few weeks of removing the "danger sign" she realized they were just cookies and didn't have special power over her. Challenge yourself to be like Michelle and stop eating the treat when you are satisfied, rather than when the box is empty.  This is also a great lesson to help your kids learn early in life...eating until the bag or box is empty isn't your goal - it's eating until you are satisfied.

SLOW DOWN
Instead of inhaling your dinner, sit at the table while you eat and make the meal last at least 20 minutes.  When you go slow, it's easier to read your body's hunger and fullness signals.  Put your utensil down between bites, take a drink (of your water!) and chew each mouthful thoroughly.

USE YOUR SENSES
Using all 5 senses, not just taste, when you eat helps you be more mindful of what and how much you are eating.  Stop eating on autopilot and relish each bite.  Look at the colors, inhale the aroma, listen to the sizzle, enjoy the crunch or texture of your food.  We are so fortunate in this country to have food to eat that we should enjoy every bite of every meal as much as possible.

Not only are these great lessons for each of us, but also to teach our kids.  Learning these things early in life will help curb addictions, obesity and make for healthier lifestyles!