Dear Alice,
Recently, I read an article on eating mindfully and paying attention to the food I am eating. The article explained that if you don’t concentrate on eating, your brain doesn’t realize that you ate anything and you don’t get full. Do you have any tips or ideas to help me eat more mindfully?
Signed,
Distracted Eater
Dear Distracted Eater,
I find it so fascinating how we (myself included) love food so much, yet we find it so difficult to concentrate on eating it. We never want to just eat, despite the food being pleasurable and delicious! If you are like most people and can’t concentrate on every bite you take, try to commit to the following three rules:
Don’t eat while talking on the phone.
Don’t eat while you are working.
Don’t eat while you are feeding children or driving (if applicable).
That’s it. By making these three rules for yourself, you will cut out most of the distractions that take your focus off of your food. This way, your brain will actually register that you ate something, and you will be more likely to be satisfied with the planned amount without looking for more. Try it for one week, and see how it goes!
Best,
Alice
Homemade Fruit Leather, In honor of Tu B’Shevat
Ingredients:
3 cups ripe peaches, chopped
Optional: 2-3 teaspoons
of zero calorie sweetener
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 150°F or the lowest oven temperature. Line an 11” x 17” baking sheet with a baking mat. Set aside.
Puree the peaches and sweetener of your choice in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Pour fruit mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread to about a 1/8” thickness. I always pound the baking sheet on the counter a few times to make sure the fruit mixture is evenly distributed.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 6-8 hours, until pan is set, and the center is not tacky.
Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Gently peel off the fruit leather from the baking sheet. Cut into squares or strips using a pizza cutter, knife or scissors. If you want to make fruit roll-ups, roll the strips in parchment paper. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 4 servings. Count each serving as a fruit or a treat.
Alice Harrosh, Alice Harrosh is a Nutrition Counselor and Manager at Nutrition by Tanya, with 12 locations, including one on Main street in Queens! Alice knows that making healthy choices is not always easy, as she has been through the struggle herself. As an optimistic person, Alice’s favorite quote is: “It’s never too late to start eating better. If you have a bad morning, make it a better afternoon.” For more information on Nutrition by Tanya or the TAP (Tanya-approved products) food line, please visit www.nutritionbytanya.com or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, you may follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram.
