It’s a new year and you want to continue good weight loss habits. Here’s a tip to help you feel satisfied at mealtimes. Dine at the table and not while standing up or doing other activities such as watching tv, checking emails, or driving. Eat slowly. Remember, it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full. Take small bites and chew your food well to help slow down your food intake. Also, you can drink a full glass of water before eating your meal to feel full at mealtime.
Your brain doesn’t know you ate until approximately twenty minutes afterwards because your body must first digest your food. After digestion, some of the food becomes glucose (or sugar) and makes its way into your bloodstream as fuel. Now, the brain registers that you ate because it has the fuel it needs to help you perform everyday activities of living.