Myth: It's Better to eat several "mini-meals: than three big meals.

FACT: Although there is a slight increase in metabolic rate and calorie-burning after eating and this could be increased by several smaller meals rather than a few big ones, the difference is minuscule. We are back to  the same basic rule; calories are calories, whether in several small bunches a day or a few big ones. source: INRseminars.com

French Women tend to be Slender...How about Us!

 French women suffer a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease, despite having a diet relatively rich in saturated fats. French drink lots of wine, eat baguettes, croissants, butter, cream, fatty liver pate, pastry and cheese, and yet they maintain a relatively low rate of heart disease and obesity as compared with other Western countries.

So are you wondering how the French eat everything and still manage to stay so skinny? Well, the French women's diet is not entirely a mystery. Two important points which may help you:


1. Notice your food. Be conscious about what you are eating. Choose foods that are high in nutrient content, and avoid those that may be harmful to our health. Natural is always best, with less preservatives and artificial 'stuff'. The important constituent of the French paradox seems to be the diet rich in fruits and fresh vegetables with much fiber and vitamins.

2. Second is to eat slowly. When you eat fast, the tendency is that you will eat more because you are not able to notice that you are already full. Remember to chew your food well and savor every bite. When you slow down with smaller bites, you taste your food more and are satisfied with less.

Weight-Loss Help: How to Stop Emotional Eating Part 3

How to Regain Control of Your Eating Habits

Though strong emotions can trigger cravings for food, you can take steps to control those cravings. To help stop emotional eating, try these suggestions:

• Learn to recognize true hunger. Is your hunger physical or emotional? If you ate just a few hours ago and don't have a rumbling stomach, you're probably not really hungry. Give the craving a few minutes to pass.
• Know your triggers. For the next several days, write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you're feeling when you eat and how hungry you are. Over time, you may see patterns emerge that reveal negative eating patterns and triggers to avoid.
• Look elsewhere for comfort. Instead of unwrapping a candy bar, take a walk, treat yourself to a movie, listen to music, read or call a friend. If you think that stress relating to a particular event is nudging you toward the refrigerator, try talking to someone about it to distract yourself. Plan enjoyable events for yourself.
• Don't keep unhealthy foods around. Avoid having an abundance of high-calorie comfort foods in the house. If you feel hungry or blue, postpone the shopping trip for a few hours so that these feelings don't influence your decisions at the store.
• Snack Healthy. If you feel the urge to eat between meals, choose a low-fat, low-calorie food, such as fresh fruit, vegetables with fat-free dip or unbuttered popcorn., Or test low-fat, lower calorie versions of your favorite foods to see if they satisfy your craving.
• Eat a balanced diet. If you're not getting enough calories to meet your energy needs, you may be more likely to give in to emotional eating. Try to eat at fairly regular times and don't skip breakfast. Include foods from the basic groups in your meals. Emphasize whole grains, vegetables and fruits, as well as low-fat dairy products and lean protein sources. When you fill up on the basics, you're more likely to feel fuller longer.
• Exercise regularly and get adequate rest. Your mood is more manageable and your body can more effectively fight stress when it's fit and well rested.

If you give in to emotional eating, forgive yourself and start fresh the next day. Try to learn from the experience and make a plan for how you can prevent it in the future. Focus on the positive changes you're making in your eating habits and give yourself credit for making changes that ensure better health.

• --from MayoClinic.com