Why We Eat Too Much!

Post by Mavis

Photo Credit: Michael Oh (Flickr)

Do you find yourself over eating and not being able to stop? Some people are constantly telling themselves to stop eating but end up eating more. Restaurants are serving larger portions than they have in the past. People are more likely to eat more if they are served larger portions.

Why are people now eating more than they did in the past?

Food has become more accessible and people are constantly snacking. New York City Nutritionist, Lisa Cohn, reminded me that increased portion sizes and constant snacking causes increased calorie intake and weight gain. With a large variety of snacks to choose from it is hard for people to break the habit since it is part of their environment. When we see food we are more likely to eat it.

For me, there was a period of time where I did not know what it felt like to have an empty stomach. I would go from store to store just to eat and even when I was not hungry I would buy it just because it looked very appetizing. Also the foods that I chose to eat were mainly cupcakes, chocolate, cookies and pastries. I tried to change my over eating habits by taking my time to eat.

When I told New York Nutritionist, Lisa Cohn, about my overeating habits she told me that the brain takes about 20 minutes to realize that the stomach is full. Taking my time to eat is probably the best way for me to learn how to stop overeating. Instead of ordering a whole entrée and eating it all by myself I usually ask my friends to share a dish with me.

Since restaurants are serving larger portions there is enough food to keep the both of us satisfied. I also learned to snack on healthier snacks in between meals so that I am not famished by the next meal. Some of my favorite snacks are almonds, granny smith apple and hummus with carrot sticks.

Does any one have tips on how to not over eat during the day? Also do you have any healthy snack ideas that you can share?