Wait 20 Minutes
I find that when I’m trying to cut back on eating the only thing I can think about is…you guessed it: eating.
I can avoid eating between meals, but then once it’s time to actually eat I find it hard to stop. It’s like by starting eating, I’ve primed the pump, and I want to eat everything in the house. Sometimes it feels like I do.
I have discovered a method of curbing this. It’s a new method that, so far, I have met with some success. It involves portion control and time.
When it’s time to eat, I put on my plate the correct portion size for my meal of choice. Then, I eat the food. I try to chew slowly and enjoy the meal. And do nothing else while eating, no computer or TV or reading. Inevitably, I will finish the food and want to continue eating. Here’s where the time element comes in.
I tell myself that I must wait 20 minutes and then if I still want to eat, I can have whatever I want.
Very often 20 minutes will pass and I will have become involved in some other task, no longer feeling an urge to eat. And sometimes after 20 minutes I’ll still want a snack. If I decide that I want a snack I determine what it is. Let’s say, chocolate!
So, I repeat the steps. First determining a deliberate reasonable portion and then eat it without distraction. Now I must wait another 20 minutes before eating again.
Give it a try, let me know what happens.
Related posts:
Usually I make sure to have my meal last about 40 minutes… slow eating, sipping my tea… that usually helps me NEVER go back for seconds (when I cook for myself in my own home). When I visit my parents on the other hand, I wolf down my dinner just so I can go get seconds. It’s as if I feel like there isn’t going to be enough for me, it’s so odd! LOL.
Great idea Gigi. It’s always a good idea to eat slowly. Helps with digestion, I’m told. I’m going to try it. What’s your favorite dish that your Mom prepares?
Good idea. But sometimes I had another problem.. the urge to SLEEP every after meal..huhu..:)
I always call that a digestive trance. lol.
I have found that eating less bread/cookies/cake is helpful. That and a midmorning snack with some protein or nuts.
yup..i agree..carbo needs heavy digestion isn’t it..? cereals or cup of flavored milk could help..:)