5 Major Eating Mistakes

For those of you who don’t know me, I am not over weight. Now that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t watch what I eat. I don’t want to give you the idea that you should overanalyze each and everything that you put in your mouth. There is nothing wrong with eating desert after your favorite meal. There is nothing wrong with eating fried foods for dinner in small amounts and in certain oils. However, there are 5 things that you should think about when you are deciding what to eat.

1. Distinguish the good fats from the bad fats.

The average person still doesn’t understand the fact that some fats are actually good for you. The types of fats you’ll want to avoid are saturated and trans fats, so check your labels. The type of fats that are good for you are called monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are what your body need and are found in sources such as fish, nuts, avocados, and soybean. They are also found in soybean oils and canola oils. Always remember that if you keep track of the calories you consume you don’t need to be concerned about the amount of fat you eat. Just focus on eating the right kind.

2. Choose the right serving size.

When eating out you should make it a habit to count your calories. In addition to this you should also choose the right portions of food. Just to give you an idea, one serving of food is equal to the amount that you can fit into the palm of your hand. You should pick one starch, one vegetable, one fruit and one protein for a well balanced meal.

3. You are what you drink.

In my opinion, there are way too many sugary drinks for us to choose from. Sugary drinks dramatically increase your caloric intake and tend to cancel out the nutrients in the food we eat. Instead, go for a tall refreshing glass of ice water. For those of us who just have to have some flavor squeeze some lemon into your glass. Also, have a cup of tea. Green tea helps promote good heart health, helps fight off cancer, strengthens teeth and bones, and promotes healthy skin.

4. Only eat when hungry.

Most have a habit of eating until our plates are empty. What we should do is eat until we are full. If you have food left over tell yourself it’s OK. Just wrap it up and take it with you. Don’t feel guilty because you didn’t finish a meal. This brings me to another point. Eat only when you are hungry. If you have a habit of eating only when you see others eat you will eventually become and overeater.

5. Don’t become a microwave addict.

I find it very easy to come home, microwave some frozen food, and call it a meal. Unfortunately, eating a lot of processed foods can rob you of your daily dose of fiber as well as important antioxidants. If I have to have a frozen meal for lunch or dinner I make sure that I fix myself a nice green salad and serving of fruit for desert. This makes for a healthy and nutritious meal with lots of flavor.