Tuesday Tip: Don't Use A Straw

Quite some time ago I posted a Tuesday Tip about using a straw.

When drinking of water, a straw will help you easily gulp down larger amounts.  It's so much easier to just sit and sip.  It's almost a mindless task.

So today's tip?

Don't use a straw.

That's right.

The exact opposite.

I'm fickle like that. 

But seriously, DON'T use a straw when you find yourself drinking beverages that are full of calories.

The same mindless consumption can occur.  Of course, that's great with water, but not-so-much great with empty calories.

Lately we have started having "Soda Saturdays" in our house.  We try to avoid pop every other day of the week and on Saturday we will each treat ourselves to one (appropriate-sized) soda.

I'm a Coke gal.  It's my thing.

I love it.  I crave it.  I want it.

But I have found that if I get my soda in a cup with a straw, within minutes the soda is gone and I don't feel like I've even really tasted what I have waited all week for.

Bummer!

So I have started removing my lid and straw. 

I savor that drink.

I guess you could say that I take the time to "drink it all in."  Har har.

I drink slow sips and I am mindful of each taste as it touches my mouth.

It may seem cheesy, but when I am done, I feel much more satisfied with the empty calories I just consumed.  At least I noticed their consumption!

And I loved every second of it.

It's almost enough to get me by until the next Soda Saturday.

Almost...