Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Do YOU have Self-Control?

Today I would like to refer to my last blog but in this sense,  I would like to talk about self-control. Self-control is very important relating to eating habits and changes. For myself this was another situation that I struggled with the most. Self-control is defined as: the restraint or control of oneself, or one's actions, feelings, etc. When I think of self-control I think of how many times I've persuaded myself into thinking that its okay for me to have just eat "one" more cookie, (which usually turns out as more than one) or when I am indulging in Sunday dinner and it wouldn't be complete without a couple or more pieces of hot watered cornbread. I believe not having self control and not being able to control my own behaviors was a very important part of the stuggle with my weight.

Self-control was also the main difficulty of me being overweight and obese. I am positive that many individuals around the world are having these same dilemmas. Sometimes that saying, "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach" is very true to many of us and still is true for myself today. The serving size on the back of most products and items are for a good purpose. Even though at times we feel as if that is just not enough. I can relate, I mean really 3 to 4 Oreo cookies (160 calories or more) are just not enough when you are used to eating half of the package. Agree? Even though we all are at the beginning of changing our eating habits or are in the middle of mastering it, we still should be able to enjoy the snacks and goodies that we love the most. Right? Here are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind when you become eye to eye with your favorite foods and how not to binge and still be able to enjoy.

When eating your favorite snacks and foods take a glance at the serving size.. just a glance. I want you to become familar with the serving size, calories and also the carbs. Don't be like me and try to change all your eating habits at once and then relapse, (I am certainly not saying that) but I would like  everyone to become very familiar with the exact amout of your intake. Also, as I mentioned above, it is okay to treat yourself, but be sure to keep self-control in mind. The way I treat myself is that I first begin with the amount (quantity) that I buy. For example, If I want some cookies I would buy the 4 to 6 pack rather than the large packages, this way you are still getting your sweet fix, but you will not be overeating while doing so. You don't want to fall in the trap of boredom and begin eating simply because it is just there. Just yesterday, I had bought some Famous Amos cookies from the vending machine as a snack, but instead of eating the entire bag I glanced at the serving size which was for 4 cookies it was 150 calories and I ate just that amount and was comfortable with that. Now don't get me wrong I was tempted to eat the entire bag which then would have ended up as 450 calories. See the huge difference? Just remember to buy smaller quatities, and to also ask yourself, Do I really need/want this? Okay lets say it is not sweets or snacks that is your stuggle but instead it is those homecooked dinners and outings. In this case when dealing with home cooked meals, avoid seconds and also use a smaller plate and bowl to fill. When you use the method of a smaller plate it gives your hunger a thought of this is just enough, and while avoiding seconds this is putting self-control into action. When dealing with outings and fast foods, try and get the minimum, avoid upsizing and try and eat only half and try to take home a doggy bag. *Be looking for future blogs on eating out and fast food choices and tips*

I hope everyone was able to gain some important tips and advice from my perspective of self-control. Be sure to Read/Comment/Share
Thanks!


One Love <3
YM

Sources: Dictionary.com

No comments:

Post a Comment