How to Know When to Stop Eating

OK, this is an important topic. There are many techniques. Estimate the proper servings (better is to actually measure, but most can't carry measuring cups around with them), and eat the serving you're supposed to have. WW uses the hand to estimate the proper serving of meat (the palm of your hand is 4 - 5 ounces) or a teaspoon of something (the tip of your finger). I think it's important to figure out what normal satisfied feels like, not stuffed, but not still hungry. Many overweight people have problems with this - their feeling of fullness is off, or not working properly. Also, consider the "if it's good, I'm going to keep eating it" syndrome. If you cook extra portions, put those away up front. At restaurants, divide up the oversized portions and only eat half. Take the rest home. Also, consider the emotional eating as in "I need to eat this to feel better." It's good to find something else to substitute for eating, like exercising or a favorite hobby. It's important to pour out a serving of whatever it is and not eat from the package. Also, consider mindless eating, such as that in front of the TV or in the car while doing something else. An important technique is to eat only at the table (not in front of the TV). Also family style is bad because it encourages seconds. Put the serving on your plate, eat it, then wait 10 minutes to see if you really need something else. Also, it's important to eat slowly and mindfully, enjoying every bite.

Sue

stamina

One of the most important qualities to be healthy is stamina, the ability to keep going and not get discouraged. I had a nice day with low points, good eating, but not too much. It's important to keep going and not let anything deter you from your goal. Keep on doing what you know to do.

Sue

Good Habits

It's important to establish good habits. I find as I try to make this happens, that I sometimes fall back on old not so healthy habits. That's why healthy eating is so tough. Sometimes I even go back to childhood. Some good habits were established then, like eating breakfast and how it's the most important meal of the day. Also another good habit was eating meals together as a family. We did this and I think it's a good idea. What I'm striving to do is to make good healthy eating and living in general a habit, something I can do almost without thinking about it. I'm not there yet and wonder if I'll ever be there.

Sue

Stress Relief part 2

I forgot one of the best stress relievers - be with your dog. Our Essi is just the sweetest (ok... spoiled too) dog in the world. She is always overjoyed to see you. I love to pet her and play with her. Fortunately she loves it too. The stress just drains through her and away.
Also good are warm baths, especially if you have a bathtub you can stretch out in.
My favorite stress reliever is being in my garden, that is working in my garden. This is something I especially miss this time of year.

More? Please suggest. We're open to more suggestions.

Sue

Stress

Stress affects wellness, illness, and well-being. There are techniques to reduce stress. Here are some:
exercise
sleep
good planning and preparation
talking with a good friend who understands you
trying not to procrastinate, or learning what can be put off until tomorrow
taking things one step at a time/ or breaking huge tasks into smaller reachable ones
taking time to enjoy something every day
laughing
Learning to tell the difference between what's important and what's not
letting stuff that's not important go
accepting imperfection
prayer

Can you think of others?

Sue

Stay Healthy

To stay healthy when exposed to coughing and sick people, get plenty of rest and keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. Also, extra vitamin C seems to help me. These temperatures that are up and down don't help, but try to keep from any extremes or extra stress. Also, the neti pot is a wonderful invention. If you haven't checked it out, do it. Of course, eat balanced meals and stay on course even when you're fighting off something.

Sue

Calder's 10 Commandments for Good Health

Dr. Calder was the first physician appointed by the U.S. Congress as their official doctor in 1928. Here are his 10 for good health:

Eat Wisely
Drink Plentifully (of water)
Eliminate Thoroughly
Bathe Cleanly
Exercise Rationally
Accept Inevitables (don't worry)
Play Enthusiastically
Relax Completely
Sleep Sufficiently
Check up occationally
PS. Give 5% of your time to keeping well, and you won't have to give 100% getting over being sick.

What do you think? Pretty sage for a guy in the 20s, eh?

Sue