Now that the holiday season has begun, you’re probably excited to dive into your favorite seasonal treats. It’s a great time to indulge, but you don’t want to overdo it. By eating until you’re no longer hungry instead of eating until you’re full, you can indulge without overeating!
Eat Until You’re Not Hungry, Not Until You’re Full
Whether it’s a holiday or just another day of the week, most of us tend to eat until we’re full. Unfortunately, this can lead to overeating because you don’t start feeling full until your brain registers the chemicals released by your digestive system. This can take up to twenty minutes, so if you eat until you feel full, you’re actually eating past the point of being satisfied.
Instead of eating until you’re full, try eating until you’re no longer hungry. That will give your brain time to register whether or not you’re full so you can avoid overeating. You’ll feel better in the long run, and besides, you can always go back for seconds if you decide you’re still hungry!
More Tips to Avoid Overeating
- Don’t skip breakfast or lunch. If you’re starving when you sit down for a holiday dinner—or any other big meal—you’re more likely to overindulge.
- Fill your plate with lean protein, vegetables, and fruit before moving onto the less healthy options.
- Eat slowly and mindfully.
- Eat smaller portions so you can try everything you want without overeating.
- When you indulge, make sure you really enjoy the things you choose and leave the ones you don’t love on the table.
- Treat meals, especially on holidays, as an opportunity to spend time with the people you love rather than focusing solely on the food on the table.