This week we’re discussing healthy eating with Karen Palmer, registered dietitian, from North Memorial.

In our society, food is everywhere. The gas station, the mall, the drug store, a ball game, the drive thru. With food coming at us from all sides, it’s important to learn how to avoid overeating. Here are some defensive eating strategies:

• Stop eating before you feel stuffed.
• Select small portions. Restaurant portions are often big enough to feed two people.
• Take half of your meal home, or share an entree.
• Avoid your “trigger” foods. Identify the foods that lead you to overeat, and prevent problems before they start.
• Eat slowly. Eating too fast, short-circuits the signal to your brain that you’re getting full.
• Don’t eat from emotions. Sometimes we eat when we’re bored, stressed, anxious or angry. Exercise is a good alternative.
  

There are health benefits to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Eat defensively!

North Memorial’s State Fair booth will feature diabetes testing and weight awareness. Come see us at the Fair! To hear more from Karen Palmer CLICK HERE.