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Are You an Overeater?

By Lisa Olona

Nutrition is vital in reaching your fitness goals. There can be many reasons that such a high percentage of Americans today are carrying around too much excess weight. Most all of us have heard the very true and useful information that calories burned need to be higher than calories consumed. This all comes down to regular exercise, as well as nutrition. As stated before, this information is all true and very effective in weight management. That is, however, only half the equation. It is also important to get in touch with the psychological reasons behind weight issues.

Simply put, overeating is the belief that "I eat too much." It's common for me to hear my clients say they have a willpower problem with food. The truth of the matter is, they may not have a willpower problem at all. Their body may actually believe it needs more food.

So what are some of the causes that lead to this belief?

1. Lack of proper rhythm - do you have a eating rhythm throughout the day? For instance you typically eat at the same time everyday.

2. Lack of slow relaxed eating - your brain needs time to process the food you just ate. Slow down and enjoy it. Slowing down and being in a relaxed state can actually help stimulate your digestive and calorie burning metabolism! This is a great compenent of a nutrition plan.

3. Macronutrient imbalance- the four macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water. Are one of your macronutrients outweighing the other? For instance, the low carb diet would lack protein, which would lead to an imbalance. Nutrition is about balance.

4. Nutrient deficiency - are you getting all of your nutrients. Your body may be lacking a nutrient, and you keep eating to attempt to give your body that specific nutrient. This includes the macronutrients above, as well as your vitamins and minerals.

5. Lack of quality in food in diet - make sure the calories you take in are from quality foods so you aren't consuming wasted calories (ie. cookies). Does that mean never have cookies? Not at all! You can still have foods that you enjoy in your nutrition plan.

Therefore, instead of settling for having a weak willpower, try one of these possible remedies:

1. Slow down, relax your breathing and your body, and enjoy the taste of your food.

2. Make sure you are consuming foods high in quality - this typically means less processed foods, and more of the foods that come from the earth (ie. vegetables and fruits) or have a mama (chicken).

3. Balance your macronutrients - have a healthy portion of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as, drink your water! Remember it's nutrition, not diet.

4. Rhythm - find a consistent time every day to eat your breakfast, have a snack, eat your lunch, and eat your dinner. Get into a rhythm or a routine.

I encourage you to really take your time to be mentally present and aware of what you are eating, when you are eating it, and the rate at which you are eating. You will be amazed at how much more satisfied you will feel from being tuned in. That satisfied feeling will lead to consuming only the calories your body requires, which will lead to a healthier, leaner, happier YOU!

About the Author:

Lisa Olona has helped hundreds of women lose weight and get into the best shape of their life. Read incredible success stories at her website http://www.NorthwestValleyBootCamp.com