Part of what makes eating healthy on a busy schedule so difficult is that it
is easy to forget about eating until it is too late. Finally, you notice you are
starving, and the only food available is in the candy machine down the hall.
Don't put yourself in this situation. Become an avid brown bagger. Bring
something nutritious with you everywhere you go. Grab a protein bar for one
meal, a box of raisins, some string cheese, and a mini box of bran cereal and
you'll be covered for 4-5 hours. These little back up snacks don't take up much
room in a briefcase, and they'll save you from sugar cravings in an emergency.
Save Some for the Dog
Trying to control your eating while out with friends can sometimes feel
awkward and embarrassing. For people who are very busy, this problem comes up
frequently because home cooked meals simply aren't a practical option. So if you
have to, blame it on the dog. Even if you don't have a pet, use the hungry
boyfriend or girlfriend excuse. Restaurants generally serve 2-3 times as much
food as you should eat at one sitting. Once the food is there in front of you,
eating all of it will be almost impossible to avoid. Before the food even begins
to cool on your plate, ask the server for a box. Simply say, "Oh, I didn't
realize I ordered so much, I think I'll save the rest for later." Most people
don't even notice this, and it will help you control a difficult eating
situation.
Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest ways to prevent overeating is to drink plenty of water.
The body often confuses thirst with hunger, and you may feel that you are
craving something to eat when you are simply thirsty. Also, the body needs
plenty of water to function correctly, and staying hydrated actually helps the
metabolism work more efficiently. Drinking plenty of water also flushes out
excess weight that may be caused by stress, sodium, menstruation, or excess
carbohydrates. While losing water weight does not change the amount of fat on
the body, it can help you to feel lighter and less bloated.