Not Just What You Eat, But How You Eat Matters

I spend a lot of time discussing with my clients what they should be eating, but I am coming to realize that how they eat will has a significant impact on their body fat and health. In a previous post, I discussed the importance of "liberally feeding your lean muscle mass and judiciously starving your body fat stores.' And, that had a lot to do with what foods you are eating; cutting out processed carbohydrates, sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Focusing on adequate protein, fats (especially Omega-3 fatty acids- more on that in the future), and lots of fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unrefined whole grains (in moderation). Here are five ways to improve your eating habits (just in case mom didn't teach you):

1. Don't buy foods with more than four ingredients (unless they are spices), or if you can't pronounce any of the ingredients. "Would you like some more exthoxylated mono and diglycerides on your sandwich?"
2. Don't buy your food from a gas station. Americans now spend more money on food (food-like substances) and cigarettes than gas at gas stations. That hot dog has been on that warmer for a long, long time. Buy your gas and head out of there without any purchases. You will spend enough on gas, you don't have to spend over $8.00 per gallon of water (sold in smaller sizes to conveniently fit in you cup holders).
3. Don't eat in your car. I have been guilty of this before, but if you think about it, you are really not benefiting yourself. Most likely, the food is processed, fast food, and easy to eat. You are mindlessly eating (maybe just to keep yourself busy). You are likely to spill on yourself or your car. And finally, you are distracting yourself while driving, putting yourself and others in danger.
4. Eat with others. People tend to eat a lot more food when they are by themselves. I guess, you would be embarrassed to pig out in front of friends.
5. Plan on investing a little time and effort into meal preparation. Yes, you will have to wake up 10 minutes earlier in the morning to prepare a decent breakfast. But, you are more likely to eat healthier and save money if you are willing to invest a little time and effort into preparing your food.