by Catherine Carter

How high do you pile, that is, put food on your plate? It’s rather easy to eat more than you should. What I mean is that many of us continue to eat after hunger has been satisfied.

Do you find yourself saying, “I know I shouldn’t, but I’ll have just a little more”? Many Americans eat for any number of reasons, hunger may not be high on the list. Television doesn’t help, neither does radio, well ok, just about any media may could throw a wrench into your healthy eating plans. Many ads are as senseless as they are endless. Chocolate bars and candy are promoted as the equivalent of heaven on earth. Eating a pizza will bring the family together. Eat that prepared frozen meal and all of your sister/girlfriends will envy you!!

There are also a fair number of adults who feel as if they are immune to the subtleties of advertisement. And while there are instances where you may do fairly well, you may still find yourself undermined by pesky elements, such as low lighting, the color of the walls in a restaurant, or the size of the plate. What can you do? Educate yourself. I recently read a well written book by the Cornell University researcher, Brian Wansink Ph.D., the book “Mindless Eating” is compelling. The research is insightful. Another benefit is that the book is full of strategies and tips that will help you to eat with increased awareness. Your body will thank you.