Editor's Note: Can you "waste" food? Or, like so many others, do you have to clean your plate to feel your meal is complete? Robb Ksiazek nails it in this article!

 

Diet Smart –
Walk Away From Your Plate  

by Robb Ksiazek

For so many people, myself included, walking away without finishing what I have on my plate can be difficult. To begin with, we were raised to clean up our plate, right? We weren't allowed to have dessert until all our meat, vegetables and potatoes were gone…and that has resonated in our minds since childhood.

The truth is that you don't have to clean your plate – especially, when you're dieting and not dishing the portions. Take home leftovers and eat them the next day – or simply throw them away – it is ok! Think about it, they are better off in the trash bin than around your waist.

Restaurants feel that the larger the portions, the better deal they are giving people. Portions have just gotten completely out of control in recent years. Who needs a three-quarter pound hamburger, fries and a big soda anyway? You're fine with just a third of that!

If you are eating at home, put less on your plate than you are accustomed to. You'll be surprised that if you finish it, clean up the kitchen, and go about your business, you won't have the hunger you may think.

Most people find that when they don't overeat – which is normally what happens when they eat a full meal at dinnertime – they feel more energetic, have less indigestion, sleep better, and don't gain weight. If you are not convinced, just try it for yourself – see what a difference it can make to not finish your meal for a while. This time, our Moms and Dads weren't right – we don't have to clean our plates.

Here are some tips for eating light when you are out:

• Hungry for a salad? Try a side-salad – or get a full salad with the dressing on the side. Salad dressings are normally the culprit for overdoing the calories at meal time. Eat as many veggies as you want without feeling guilty – especially if they are uncooked.
• Share a meal with someone else at the table – this way, you won't be tempted to finish the entire dinner by yourself. You can also cut your bill in half – who doesn't like saving a few bucks?
• Take your leftovers home. Divide your plate in half and ask for a doggie-bag after you've finished your first half. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day, and you won't feel overstuffed.

Making common sense decisions when it comes to treating your body right are as easy as putting down your fork as soon as you are full. You will better digest you dinner, and won't feel like taking a nap.

Author Info:  

Robb Ksiazek is a successful author and publisher for informative Body-Mass-Index-4U.com . He believes in simple solutions in the quest for a fulfilled life through mind, body, and soul.

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