The 2016 theme for the month is "Savor the flavor" of eating right, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I love this theme. Often times, Americans truly don't appreciate what the heck they are eating because they end up eating it so fast, or in the car while driving, or walking to a bus or metro, or shoveling it in their mouths while running out the door.
One easy health tip you can start doing immediately that won't cost you anything AND will help keep the pounds off (aside from eating healthy and exercising) is to eat slowly. Consciously make a decision to chew your food entirely, savor the tastes, aromas, flavors.
Put away your phone, iPad, computer, and don't sit in front of the TV while you eat. Shocking right?! Take some time for yourself whether it is at breakfast, lunch, or dinner to enjoy what you are consuming. If you can't do it for all three meals, aim for at least one. When you are chewing slowly and not distracted by technology, you are more likely to consume less food overall.
How many times have you watched a movie while eating a big container of popcorn or ice cream and eaten way more than you should have? Guilty! It's so easy, and we've all done it. When we are distracted and eating on the go or rushing, it's much easier to consume three, four, and even five times a suggested serving amount. So for your next meal, chew slowly and disconnect from technologies. Savor the flavors!