Eating on Autopilot

A few M&Ms here or a handful of chips there. Harmless, right? Not so fast. From on-the-go meals to snacking out of boredom, calories from mindless eating add up quickly. But, a few simple changes can take you from autopilot to in charge.

8 Tricks for Mindful Eating

1. Eat meals with the TV off.
2. Learn to recognize the feeling of being full.
3. Plan healthy snacks and meals.
4. Pour drinks into tall, thin glasses.
5. Put snacks in containers that limit how much you can eat.
6. Remember that calories consumed on-the-go count.
7. Serve meals on smaller plates.
8. Store healthy foods at eye level in the pantry and fridge.

Paying attention to what you eat is crucial. Taking some time to grocery shop and plan your meals for the week can help you stick to a healthy eating plan. We tend to grab quick snacks or fast food when we’re pinched for time and don’t have food ready at home. Meal planning and prep ensure we have a healthy meal waiting in the fridge. It also helps us avoid unhealthy food choices made on a whim.