Did you know it takes about 10 minutes once we have started eating for our bodies to notice the change? It’s important to eat slowly enough to give ourselves time to adjust. Our bodies send signals that we have had enough, like our belly actually feeling a bit more filled up. If we eat too much too fast we can’t notice those cues.
‘Tis the season to enjoy parties, family gatherings and lots of food, but with a little help, you can help your kids from eating too much during the holidays. Here’s a simple way to gauge before, during and after eating what state we’re in. Ask yourself, or your kids, how do I feel:
- Pretty hungry, my stomach feels empty
- Just right! Not too hungry or too full; satisfied
- Too full, I ate too much
Remember, being hungry is different from a craving and we can teach ourselves to better listen to our body to know the difference. This is an important habit that can make a difference in your child’s future health. Check out our “How Hungry Am I?” and “What’s My Portion Size?” lessons for more information. Establishing good, life-long, health habits starts now!