As you put together your weight loss plan, one of the things you’re probably doing is changing how you eat. You’re changing what you eat, how often you eat, your relationship with food in general, and more. So if we suggest that you spend more time thinking about food, shopping for food, and eating food, you might think we’re trying to sabotage your weight loss plan! But there are actually some very solid reasons that you should pay more attention to food, not less, if you want to lose weight.
First, let’s talk about how you plan meals and shop for food. You might already know that fruits and veggies should be a major part of your dietary plan. But it’s not as simple as dashing off to the nearest supermarket, tossing some canned pears in your cart, and rushing off to your next errand. The freshness of your food also counts, more than you might even think!
In fact, you might be surprised to learn that food in the supermarket often isn’t all that fresh. In the name of profit, fruits and vegetables are often picked before peak ripeness thousands of miles away, spend a week or more in shipping containers, and then are dumped, less than ripe and wonderfully healthy, on your local grocery store shelves. They’re still better options than, say, a fast food cheeseburger. But they’re not the most nutrient-dense options either.
Locally-grown produce doesn’t need to be picked before it’s fully ripe, and it won’t spend a week on a truck before you receive it. Check out your local farmer’s market, and you can obtain fresher, more nutritious fruits and veggies in exchange for your extra effort. Also, go organic whenever you can. In 2014, the British Journal of Nutrition published a meta analysis of 343 studies, concluding that organic produce contains significantly higher concentrations of healthy antioxidants. Spend a bit more time on your shopping, and your produce will do so much more for your health.
Next, let’s talk about your actual meal times. You should spend more time eating your food, too. When you eat alone, at work, in front of the computer or while watching television, you aren’t paying attention to your activity. You’re more likely to overeat when you try to multi-task, and because you don’t take the time to savor your food, you might take longer to feel both physically and emotionally satisfied by a meal. So while it sounds contradictory, spend more time eating if you’re trying to lose weight! Eat with a friend, slow down between bites, and enjoy the conversation. You might find yourself surprised at how satisfying your meals become.
For more information on weight loss and healthy eating choices, give us a call. We can give you the right nutritional advice for your weight loss goals, and help you overcome any obstacles in your way.
