Over the last few weeks, most of us ate more than we usually do.  We usually follow the over-eating tradition of the holidays with the dieting ritual in January.  Please, don’t do it again this year!  I often wonder how many people actually lose the weight they gained over the holidays.  Dieting just isn’t fun and for the most part, doesn’t work.  And if does work, you usually drive yourself insane in the process. 

Ounces, points, fat grams, calories– so boring unless you are a real math geek.  Besides, food is so much more than a number, it’s supposed to nourish us.  We want a quick, easy solution, so we look for the latest diet trend and hope that it solves the problem once and for all.  I vote for lasting change.  Lasting change comes about when we relearn how to eat and how to enjoy food.  There are many steps to this process.  This week’s tip: CHEW!  Chew your food.  It may seem so simple, but did you know that chewing your food enhances taste, creates enzymes for proper digestion, and slows you down.  The slowing down part is essential for realizing when you are full and also for enjoying what’s on your plate before it disappears and you wonder if the person sitting next to you snuck a few bites when you weren’t looking.    Most people don’t realize that they are supposed to chew each bite 30 times!  That seems like infinity.  Just try it, you might be amazed.