You know it's a bad sign when you have forgotten the password to sign in to edit your own blog! I promise to be more on top of things for my 3 dedicated followers (you know who you are) in the upcoming year.

I have been thinking about my eating habits as of late and what I want to change about them in order to become more healthy and in control of what I consume. I have been a very healthy eater for the past years, but the last few months I have 'fallen off the wagon' so to speak, so I am implementing some new things to help me get back on. I have come up with 5 things that help me to eat well.

1. Drink 2 cups of water before each meal. I literally have a big cup (16 oz) by my sink, I fill it and guzzle it back. This helps me eat less and I feel full way longer after the meal

2. Find something to chew on. I like to eat nachos, Doritos, chips-I like crunchy things. I even, apparently, have a deep affection for caramel popcorn. My daughter brought it home from work and I finally had to have my son hide it as it was sweet and crunchy and it began to control me :). Soooo now I eat celery or brocolli, with dip (who are we kidding-I'm no saint!) and if I can start eating that before I am too hungry during my craving times, it helps me to not crave the junk food.

3. Bake something sweet. Make something healthy-lots of fibre, apple sauce instead of oil or butter, splenda instead of sugar and enjoy it! I have lots of recipes-I can post some if you so desire...

4. Make guilt free hot chocolate. I love chocolate and I live in Canada (bbrrrrr) so in the afternoon when the chocolate craving hits, I make hot chocolate. Warm up the milk, add a teaspoon or 2 of cocoa and some splenda-Voila! Yum! Sweet and filled with protein so it serves as a great snack!

5. Chew gum. Chewing gum helps distract you from the need to be eating at all times (okay maybe that's only me-but it is the honest truth). Try it! Plus your breath will always be minty fresh which also lessens your desire to eat just like not wanting to eat just after brushing your teeth

Bonus... sit and eat. Enjoy, savor and be grateful for each mouthful, put your fork down in between bites...it all makes a difference