Health Habit of the Week: Watch what you eat
Q. How do I avoid overeating
junk food?
A. Sometimes people eat because they are stressed or sad — if this is the case for you, we suggest going for a walk or doing some jumping jacks before reaching for a snack. Exercise, fresh air and a good laugh will make you feel better and might help you avoid reaching for junk food.
If you really feel down, you should book an appointment with a counsellor at school; talking to someone really helps when you are feeling stressed or upset.
Here are some other tips:
1. Keep hydrated: Drink water throughout the day — you could be overeating because you are thirsty.
2. Eat slower: Take time to talk between mouthfuls, wait to see if you are full. Often it takes a moment for your brain to realize that your body is full. If you are eating too fast, you will overeat before you get this cue.
3. Take smaller portions: Take small samples of each food and return for more if you are still truly hungry. If you take a portion and then shut the bag of chips, or put the box of cookies away, you are less likely to keep taking more.
4. Wait: Don't have dessert right away after dinner. Socialize and wait a bit. You may realize you don't want/need that chocolate cake after all.
Submitted by Chris Pilla, Andrea Lewis and Cassie Weishar.
A. Sometimes people eat because they are stressed or sad — if this is the case for you, we suggest going for a walk or doing some jumping jacks before reaching for a snack. Exercise, fresh air and a good laugh will make you feel better and might help you avoid reaching for junk food.
If you really feel down, you should book an appointment with a counsellor at school; talking to someone really helps when you are feeling stressed or upset.
Here are some other tips:
1. Keep hydrated: Drink water throughout the day — you could be overeating because you are thirsty.
2. Eat slower: Take time to talk between mouthfuls, wait to see if you are full. Often it takes a moment for your brain to realize that your body is full. If you are eating too fast, you will overeat before you get this cue.
3. Take smaller portions: Take small samples of each food and return for more if you are still truly hungry. If you take a portion and then shut the bag of chips, or put the box of cookies away, you are less likely to keep taking more.
4. Wait: Don't have dessert right away after dinner. Socialize and wait a bit. You may realize you don't want/need that chocolate cake after all.
Submitted by Chris Pilla, Andrea Lewis and Cassie Weishar.
