Eye Candy

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Menus are eye candy. "Cumin-Flaked Crispy Chicken" is still fried chicken, which you might normally skip. Descriptive phrases on menus make us 27% more likely to order a food, a study at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign finds.

Before dining out, scan the menu online, ignoring adjectives. Settle on a lean protein and a veggie side, or a salad with a starter, which is usually half the size of an entree.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

7356WILMA 6/14/2011 1:49PM

Again great advise!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 6/14/2011 1:07PM

Great advice! One can even make solidly healthy choices at buffets if one knows their food! :-) Don Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAINER_T 6/14/2011 11:20AM

I agree with Rikki its the pictures that are a killer, esp desserts :-) Love that we have access to online menus before hand, I always pick a few options that way when I get there I can decide the right one. blog Report Inappropriate Comment

LLLAWSON 6/14/2011 11:12AM

I hear ya. I like to look at the menu and decide before I go so I don't make bad choices. Report Inappropriate Comment

RIKKI572 6/14/2011 6:59AM

It's not just those wonderful names, it's those full color scrumptious photos that go along with alot of menus. The picture alone is enought to break a lot of people's willpower. Thanks for sharing, and have yourself a sparkalicious day! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPLURGES

Monday, June 13, 2011

Splurges have a short shelf life. Overdoing it on saturated fats (cheese, butter, beef) for 3 days straight may prime us to KEEP overeating. The excess fats might block the brain's ability to respond to hormones that tell us we're full.

The occasional burger-and-grown-up-bevvies extravaganza is no biggie, but if you have an extended binge-vacation, long weekend-don't rely on your internal hunger cues when it's over. You may need to measure out portions for a day or two to cut fat and reset your hunger signals.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

7356WILMA 6/13/2011 1:12PM

That was my last week, thanks for the reminder!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 6/13/2011 12:57PM

Putting on the brakes...such a CHALLENGE sometimes! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

RIKKI572 6/13/2011 12:41PM

I did not know that. Thank you for sharing, and I will be much more vigilant. Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

Swaying is for trees

Sunday, June 12, 2011

When a thin pal orders a big meal, her tablemates are likely to follow suit. Lock in your healthful choice, and when the waiter asks if everyone is ready, say, "I know what I want-mind if I go first?"

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GAILRUU 6/12/2011 9:07AM

I noticed that a group of ladies often end up ordering the same thing. Dinner for me when I eat out is broiled fish, salad with dressing on the side and a vegetable instead of potato or rice. Lunch is soup and a salad. I also don't care for most diet dressings so I just dip my fork in a dressing I like and use very little of it that way. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUDITHANNIE 6/12/2011 9:01AM

Great idea and thanks for reminding me.... Report Inappropriate Comment

RIKKI572 6/12/2011 8:43AM

Another challenge, but I have learned not to let others influence my choices - even when they try to talk me out of it. Thanks for sharing, and have a fantastic day! Report Inappropriate Comment

KLB037 6/12/2011 7:59AM

Good idea, I will try this. Report Inappropriate Comment

Oxygen-mask Rule

Saturday, June 11, 2011

The oxygen-mask rule applies to eating, too. So many women put all their time and energy into making sure their loved ones eat heathfully, but then make bad food choices for themselves. Witness the apple slices and organic peanut butter in your little ones backpack and the...well, nada that's edible in your bag. (Mints don't count.)

While fixing your kids' snack or a whole-wheat wrap for your guy, take a minute to throw together an equally nutritious nibble for yourself, such as a pear and 1 ounce of cheddar, or roll up a second wrap for youself.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RIKKI572 6/11/2011 7:34PM

You have a wonderful way of putting things in perspective. Thanks for sharing, and have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

See the bright side

Friday, June 10, 2011

3 ways to think more positively.

Give Thanks. Tell others what you're grateful for. When you share positivity, the energy changes.

Keep Moving. Stay physically and mentally active. Otherwise, moods can spiral downwards.

Focus Forward. Lofty aims improve your outlook. Live in the future with short- and long-term goals.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUDITHANNIE 6/12/2011 9:06AM

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SMILE2HAPPINESS 6/10/2011 5:03PM

This is I will be copying and pasting this to go by my computer! Report Inappropriate Comment

RIKKI572 6/10/2011 7:35AM

Thank you for sharing your ever positive outlook on life!! Wishing you a fantastic day. Report Inappropriate Comment