Why Portion Size Matters--
by Human Performance Institute Orlando, FL Energyforperformance.com

Overeating can do more harm to engagement than you may realize. Much attention is given to the physical consequences of overeating such as; Excess body fat storage, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease/ diabetes and cancer. While these long term consequences are very important, real, and can be life threatening, there are also serious, immediate consequences that overeating causes to our energy levels, engagement, and performance.

Your body has to work hard to store excess food, so your energy levels crash immediately following a large meal. This decrease in energy has many effects on your body, which can be broken down into physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual effects;

Physical: Tired, sluggish, headaches, feelings of anxiety, less likely to exercise, trouble sleeping, reduced engagement with family, friends and co-workers.

Emotional: Guilty, frustrated, impatient, apathetic, irritable, poor self esteem and confidence, connect less with family.

Mental: Reduced ability to concentrate and stay alert, less creative, less productive and efficient.

Spiritual: Poor role model for family or direct reports, not living up to your values or vision, losing respect for yourself, feeling greedy, loss of control of actions.

Tip: The easiest way to keep portion sizes within a healthy range is to eat more mindfully using one or more of the following strategies:
--Slow Down--Put your fork down between bites
--Drink more water---Drinking water helps with satiety (feeling full) and pacing
--Engage in conversation with family, friends, co-workers, others....Eating is not a race:)
--Limit distractions such as eating in front of the TV, Movies or Computer (Eating in front of these has been proven in studies to be a key cause of excess weight gain, especially since most of the foods eaten tend to be processed foods with high sugar and fat (trans fat and saturated fats)
--Start with smaller portions--Put part of your meal from a restraunt in a To Go box and eat the next day for lunch or that evening for supper....Two meals for the price of one (Dutch treat:)
--Don't graze on bread, chips, or other candy/ sweets/ treats/ that you leave around the house or at work. This is a Primary cause of unwanted pounds of fat around your mid-section which leads to chronic diseases of heart disease/ diabetes and cancer.

Most important is to "ASK God" to lead and help deliever you from your addictions such as from;
---excess sweets/ high fat fo0d/ too large portions/ snacking late at night/ eating fast food/ drinking too much pop (soda)/ alcohol/ drugs/ etc.... __________ (Fill in this blank for YOU:)

Also have an Accountability partner or LIFE group to assist in keeping you accountable and reaching your goals for your health so YOU can be a Blessing to Others!!

In Jesus Precious and Powerful Name

Erik Newy