How do you eat less?

[brightstar]

I've never been overly consistent when it comes to tracking calories or keeping a journal/diary. I figure, since I'm not the best at tracking a great way to make sure I'm eating fewer calories is to eat less. However, I'm having a hard time lowering my portions without feeling hungry or depressed about it. I really enjoy eating food.

Can anyone offer some suggestions on how I can eat less without feeling like it's the end of the world?

[Beth]

Try drinking a full glass of water before you eat your meals. This should help to make you feel fuller faster.

[legendarytroy]

Reduce the number of carbs you eat and eat more fiber and protein. You'll find you fill up faster and will stay fuller longer. Also, try to eat slower and force yourself to wait at least 20 minutes after you've finished eating before you get something else. A lot of the time, the hunger you still feel after you eat passes once digestion kicks in.

[bigbobby]

Eat at the same times every day and get sufficient sleep. Having an eating routine and getting proper sleep will help keep your body balanced and regulated. When you throw your system off, it reacts poorly and you can end up craving things that you don't actually need because your tired or you've let yourself get too hungry, so your body thinks it needs more than it does.

[brightstar]

Eat at the same times every day and get sufficient sleep. Having an eating routine and getting proper sleep will help keep your body balanced and regulated. When you throw your system off, it reacts poorly and you can end up craving things that you don't actually need because your tired or you've let yourself get too hungry, so your body thinks it needs more than it does.

Thanks for this advice bigbobby. I've never tried eating at the same time every day before. Maybe if I do work on establishing an eating schedule/routine, that could help with my appetite. I'll also work on the sleep schedule - though that one may prove to be harder. I really wish my body would just shut off and go to sleep at the same time. *sigh*

[kellykatt]

Thanks for this advice bigbobby. I've never tried eating at the same time every day before. Maybe if I do work on establishing an eating schedule/routine, that could help with my appetite. I'll also work on the sleep schedule - though that one may prove to be harder. I really wish my body would just shut off and go to sleep at the same time. *sigh*

Do you follow a sleep routine? You might find it easier to sleep if you go to bed in around the same time, limit what you eat before you go to bed, watch how much water you drink and avoid doing things that will keep you awake like watching TV or playing games, etc. Also, I find that I sleep better when my feet and hands are not overheated.