The “few little bites” you eat while cooking or preparing for lunch or dinner, may actually be the equivalent of a whole meal.  Tastes of dishes being cooked can also add up.  Be careful!

A couple handfuls of crackers and 5 slices of cheese might actually be 600 or 700 calories.  A small piece of pecan pie might have as much as 800 calories hidden in it.  A glass of soda and half a bag of potato chips may add up to 700 calories. You may be eating more nutrients than you think when you “pre-eat” a meal.  

What can you do if you’re ravenous and the meal’s not ready?

— have a big glass of water first, and fill up your stomach
— snack on vegetable and fruit pieces: carrots, peppers, apple, celery
— take out one serving of crackers or chips, put them on a plate, and put away the box, thereby consciously controlling how much you eat
— being conscious can help: look at calorie counts on the side bar of the box, think about what you’re about to eat.  If you think you’ll regret it after eating, then pray to God for help and STOP before you start.
— eat very, very slowly and chew thoroughly.  Don’t do anything else while you’re having the snack, thereby focusing your attention.

Do you have a “snack before meals” problem?  Tell us about it, and get it off your chest and out of your stomach.  Do you have any suggestions, or experiences you want to share?  PLEASE COMMENT!

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