We all do it. However, for a bandster, the results can be very uncomfortable.

The reason it can be difficult to eat healthily is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you into bad eating habits, says new research. Try these tips to avoid mindless eating:

• Be aware of the size and shape of containers. It's the amount of food that counts, not what it looks like.
  
• Use smaller plates and bowls. Empty plates and bowls, even those of a smaller size, cue some people to stop eating.
  
• Read nutrition labels, paying attention to the serving size listed. Consider the facts; don't guess at how many calories you're eating.
  
• Look past the packaging. The wording on a food's package or the language on a menu can influence you to actually like a food better, increasing your risk of overeating.
  
• Keep visual reminders of how much you're eating. Keep wrappers, empty containers, bones, and other reminders of how much you've eaten nearby.
  
• Think about eating a meal that's healthier overall. Don't just focus on separate parts of the meal.
  
• Control your impulse purchases. Don't let signs encourage you to buy more than you need.
  

For us, it's more than just gained pounds. My DH hates sitting at the table to eat meals. Worse, he pouts and grumbles when I sit at the table, even though we have a relatively open concept home where we are still technically in the same room.

I've been reading the labels as far as serving sizes, and actually measuring out the portions of the snacks. Y'know, it isn't worth it. When you measure out the teensy number of ounces of pretzels and look at the carbs, it's just not worth eating them! Now, by the time I've chowed down on some cheese or a crudite tray, I'm not only full, I'm guilt-free!

Funniest thing of all, I no longer mindlessly shop, either. We're still laughing over the fact that some so-called "diet" foods provide no benefit whatsoever (okay, so 20 calories lower. Yay. Wow. I'm so not thrilled) for half again the cost? Uh, NO!

I thought I'd freeze to death reading all the labels in the grocery freezer section, trying to find out which so-called "diet" whipped topping actually was the most beneficial, but now I know. With the correct serving size, I now enjoy a little dessert guilt-free.

We're still laughing. And we're saving a ton of money by not buying the methyl-enthyl-bad-stuff with ingredients I can't pronounce, much less spell. All in the name of "diet." Goodbye, diet. Hello, Thinking.

Hello Lena, I have missed reading posts from you. But you have been busy it is clear. Thanks for the very helpful healthy eating tips. I just dislike the word "diet" it should be classified with all those other four letter words we could never use as children. As an adult with a healthy mind set I still dislike the word and no longer use it. I have copied the seven tips and posted them I love these little reminders. Do you have a slow or long cook pork recipe with a BBQ sauce you could share with me? Maybe something pulled, round? or brisket???? Not sure what cut to use? I do not know what to use all I know is I was asked to bring something and this was on the list. I was psyched because I see most of us can eat soft pork. I wanted to bring something I can eat. I am only two weeks post opt. Thanks Kathy imaluckydog

Great tips...now which whipped topping did you pick, or do I need to put on the parka? -BG