So today my husband and I went to an Italian restaurant after church. This restaurant serves absolutely delicious meals. We decided to order a pizza - meat lovers with black olives and mushrooms. Yum.
While we were waiting, our server brought us some soft, warm, to-die-for, garlic bread. Two servings of them. Oh my. I knew if I ate the bread, I would not be hungry for pizza, and I really, really wanted to enjoy eating the pizza.
What to do? What to do? I knew if I took that first bite of the bread, there would no stopping until I had eaten the whole thing. Well, I did it. I took one bite and then another and another. I nibbled till it was gone. Yep. I did. That first bite.......was at the same time too many and not enough.
When the pizza came, I honestly didn’t know how much I would be able to eat. It looked and smelled wonderful. I chose the smallest slice of pizza on the tray, and started eating. Oh my, the flavor did not disappoint. It was great. Oh, man. After a few bites, I realized that I was already getting full. I ate about three quarters of my slice and moved my plate to the end of the table.
We asked for a ‘to go’ box, and as soon as my husband finished eating, we put the left over pizza in it. Enough pizza for at least two meals.
Yeah! Victory! I ate my bread and some pizza too, without the guilt feelings of overeating.
Showing posts with label overeating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label overeating. Show all posts
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
One and Two
As I mentioned in my last post, in my opinion there are two essential parts to being successful with conscious eating, or 'eating the way slender people eat'. Those of us who are trying to eat consciously must consciously be aware of both parts at every meal and every snack. Here goes:
1. Eating consciously means eating only until you are full. I have had friends say to me, "But I don't always know when I'm full." I understand that statement and most of my life have lived by the "I'm eating till my plate is empty" model, because I don't recognize this full feeling.
The truth is that our bodies will give us a signal for when enough food has been eaten during a meal. In order to eat only until we are full, we must learn to recognize and acknowledge that signal no matter how much delicious food is still on our plate. We must be willing to admit that it's there, even when we want to ignore the signal.
2. Again, eating consciously requires that once you feel the signal for fullness that your body gives you, eating must stop. In my opinion this is the hardest part, because sometimes we just don't want to stop. Oh, man. There's still baked potato with all the trimmings on my plate. There's only half a slice of garlic toast left; surely I can eat that. That won't be much. In order to do this with integrity, you must stop eating once you feel that full signal. If the food left on your plate can't be saved for whatever reason, it goes in the trash. That's hard if you were raised with the starving children in China, as I was. However, no matter what, conscious eating is not conscious eating, and you will never be slender, unless you are willing to throw good food in the trash. It is a difficult, but critical lesson to learn.
Yes. This is hard. But you know, so is living with knee problems, diabetes, back issues, heart problems, and a myriad of other health issues that are caused by being overweight. Those of us who live our lives with too much girth can give you a list of ways that said girth has affected the way we live. We choose our challenges. We choose our rewards. Let's choose wisely.
1. Eating consciously means eating only until you are full. I have had friends say to me, "But I don't always know when I'm full." I understand that statement and most of my life have lived by the "I'm eating till my plate is empty" model, because I don't recognize this full feeling.
The truth is that our bodies will give us a signal for when enough food has been eaten during a meal. In order to eat only until we are full, we must learn to recognize and acknowledge that signal no matter how much delicious food is still on our plate. We must be willing to admit that it's there, even when we want to ignore the signal.
2. Again, eating consciously requires that once you feel the signal for fullness that your body gives you, eating must stop. In my opinion this is the hardest part, because sometimes we just don't want to stop. Oh, man. There's still baked potato with all the trimmings on my plate. There's only half a slice of garlic toast left; surely I can eat that. That won't be much. In order to do this with integrity, you must stop eating once you feel that full signal. If the food left on your plate can't be saved for whatever reason, it goes in the trash. That's hard if you were raised with the starving children in China, as I was. However, no matter what, conscious eating is not conscious eating, and you will never be slender, unless you are willing to throw good food in the trash. It is a difficult, but critical lesson to learn.
Yes. This is hard. But you know, so is living with knee problems, diabetes, back issues, heart problems, and a myriad of other health issues that are caused by being overweight. Those of us who live our lives with too much girth can give you a list of ways that said girth has affected the way we live. We choose our challenges. We choose our rewards. Let's choose wisely.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Two Parts, Both Essential
Ok, so today I had a small bowl of left over spaghetti for lunch. It tasted great, and my intention was to eat some watermelon after I finished the spaghetti. Well, when my bowl was empty, I was full, but I still wanted the watermelon. No matter what, I wanted the watermelon. I love watermelon. Nothing was going to keep me from my serving of watermelon.....
I put some watermelon in a bowl and sat down at the table, still feeling the fullness that came after eating the spaghetti, but dadgumit, I wanted to eat the watermelon. I ate about three bites, and then I decided that the watermelon would taste better in the middle of the afternoon as a snack. I put it back in the refrigerator to save for later. There. I felt better. I didn't over eat, nor did I deprive myself. I'm looking forward to some delicious watermelon in a couple of hours.
Conscious eating (eating the way slender people eat) has two major components that are essential to the success of this plan. Naturally slender people don't think about this. They do both parts, uh, naturally. Those of us who are challenged in the area of controlling our food intake must consciously be aware of and be compliant with both components.
Next post: A discussion of the two components.
I put some watermelon in a bowl and sat down at the table, still feeling the fullness that came after eating the spaghetti, but dadgumit, I wanted to eat the watermelon. I ate about three bites, and then I decided that the watermelon would taste better in the middle of the afternoon as a snack. I put it back in the refrigerator to save for later. There. I felt better. I didn't over eat, nor did I deprive myself. I'm looking forward to some delicious watermelon in a couple of hours.
Conscious eating (eating the way slender people eat) has two major components that are essential to the success of this plan. Naturally slender people don't think about this. They do both parts, uh, naturally. Those of us who are challenged in the area of controlling our food intake must consciously be aware of and be compliant with both components.
Next post: A discussion of the two components.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Too Stressed to Eat? I Wish!
I have a precious friend who is one of those naturally thin people. Always has been. Always will be. Naturally thin. We were talking about stress one day, and I shared with her the problem I have always had with overeating when I'm stressed or when I've been through something traumatic like the death of a family member. I remember quite well her reply, "Oh, not me. When I get stressed, I can't eat." Really. Too stressed to eat. What a concept! When I get stressed, I want a hamburger, no, a bacon cheeseburger. Who's with me on this?
I was reminded of our conversation a couple of days ago. In the middle of the afternoon I found myself in the kitchen looking for something to eat. I'm only allowing myself to eat certain things for snacks between meals. A handful of nuts, a banana, or an apple. On this day I didn't want any of those things, and I really wasn't hungry. It had not been long since I had eaten, and I knew hunger was not the reason I was in the kitchen. I was just stressed for some reason. I was feeling the stress, not hunger.
This has been a dilemma all my life. I have covered it in previous posts from an emotional angle. I've heard it described as 'eating my feelings'. Obviously as a 'conscious eater' I can't be governed by my feelings when I eat. I must be guided and controlled simply by whether or not I am truly hungry.
As I have written about these challenges that are ever present, serving as pot holes and speed bumps on my weight loss journey, I have also tried to write about a strategy that I plan to implement to assist me in dodging these obstacles. My strategy for this dilemma of the desire, the compulsion to eat when I am stressed, is simply to borrow and modify my friend's reply, "Eat? Oh no, I can't possible eat. I'm too stressed right now." I'll let you know how well it works. ;-)
I was reminded of our conversation a couple of days ago. In the middle of the afternoon I found myself in the kitchen looking for something to eat. I'm only allowing myself to eat certain things for snacks between meals. A handful of nuts, a banana, or an apple. On this day I didn't want any of those things, and I really wasn't hungry. It had not been long since I had eaten, and I knew hunger was not the reason I was in the kitchen. I was just stressed for some reason. I was feeling the stress, not hunger.
This has been a dilemma all my life. I have covered it in previous posts from an emotional angle. I've heard it described as 'eating my feelings'. Obviously as a 'conscious eater' I can't be governed by my feelings when I eat. I must be guided and controlled simply by whether or not I am truly hungry.
As I have written about these challenges that are ever present, serving as pot holes and speed bumps on my weight loss journey, I have also tried to write about a strategy that I plan to implement to assist me in dodging these obstacles. My strategy for this dilemma of the desire, the compulsion to eat when I am stressed, is simply to borrow and modify my friend's reply, "Eat? Oh no, I can't possible eat. I'm too stressed right now." I'll let you know how well it works. ;-)
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Darn That Facebook
They look soooooo good. Eye candy. You know what I mean. I'm referring to those delicious looking recipes that uninvitedly appear on our Facebook feeds. Many are loaded with cheese, sugar, heavy cream, etc. There are also many nutritious recipes also. However, the ones that quickly catch my eye are recipes such as 'Red Velvet Cheesecake'. Oh yea. Delicious.
I love to cook for family and friends. I love to cook foods that are rich and sweet. The problem is that it is vertually impossible for me to cook those types of dishes and not partake in their rich goodness, which can completely blow my diet and make my diabetes worse.
Therefore in order to keep my diet headed the right direction, I must find satisfaction in cooking dishes that are not going to be a diet buster for my. Perhaps it's time for me to put myself first in this aspect of my life.
I love to cook for family and friends. I love to cook foods that are rich and sweet. The problem is that it is vertually impossible for me to cook those types of dishes and not partake in their rich goodness, which can completely blow my diet and make my diabetes worse.
Therefore in order to keep my diet headed the right direction, I must find satisfaction in cooking dishes that are not going to be a diet buster for my. Perhaps it's time for me to put myself first in this aspect of my life.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Confession Time
It is not and has never been my desire to present to you the idea that my desire to control my eating and lose weight is always perfectly headed in the right direction. On the contrary, I want to be transparent with you, my readers. I want you to know that gaining my desired weight loss is a struggle for me. I am no different than anyone else with overeating problems. I just happen to write about my struggles on the internet for everyone to see!
The last couple of weeks I have been working at home, doing transcription from my computer. I am sitting at my desk for many many hours a day. There are many things I enjoy about this work. I enjoy the quietness of it. I enjoy not spending money to get to get to work.
My problem is that I am not eating less to correspond with my decrease in physical activity. Therefore, the scales have not gone down anymore. In fact I have gained a couple of pounds. Sigh.
Please understand that I have not given up on losing weight. I am still struggling with it and always will. The defeat will come when I quit struggling because a lack of struggle means that I have given up. I am not ever giving up. As long as I keep struggling, then I have a hope of winning that ability to wear my 'skinny clothes ' again!!!
The last couple of weeks I have been working at home, doing transcription from my computer. I am sitting at my desk for many many hours a day. There are many things I enjoy about this work. I enjoy the quietness of it. I enjoy not spending money to get to get to work.
My problem is that I am not eating less to correspond with my decrease in physical activity. Therefore, the scales have not gone down anymore. In fact I have gained a couple of pounds. Sigh.
Please understand that I have not given up on losing weight. I am still struggling with it and always will. The defeat will come when I quit struggling because a lack of struggle means that I have given up. I am not ever giving up. As long as I keep struggling, then I have a hope of winning that ability to wear my 'skinny clothes ' again!!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Being Naturally Thin
Will I ever be naturally thin? I don't think so. I seriously doubt that the way naturally thin people eat will ever be natural to me. Will I ever be able to leave food on my plate without having the desire to eat it even though I am full? I don't think so. Will I ever completely conquer my obsession to overeat when I am stressed out? Probably not.
However, I do believe that if I consciously, consistently, endeavor to practice eating the way naturally thin people eat, becoming thin and staying is a possibility for me.
I took my grandmother out to eat. We shared a chicken strip plate and took half of it home. I ate dinner with my son. I had a senior chicken fried steak and carried half of it home.
I may never get beyond practicing the eating habits that naturally thin people do naturally, but, you know what, that is OK with me. At least I have the hope of once again being able to wear my 'skinny' clothes!
However, I do believe that if I consciously, consistently, endeavor to practice eating the way naturally thin people eat, becoming thin and staying is a possibility for me.
I took my grandmother out to eat. We shared a chicken strip plate and took half of it home. I ate dinner with my son. I had a senior chicken fried steak and carried half of it home.
I may never get beyond practicing the eating habits that naturally thin people do naturally, but, you know what, that is OK with me. At least I have the hope of once again being able to wear my 'skinny' clothes!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
McKenna's 4th Golden Rule
Golden Rule #4: When you think you are full, STOP eating. OK, now this is hard. First of all, knowing and accepting that 'satisfied' or 'full' feeling as being our stopping signal can be difficult. As overeaters, we continue to eat until we get that 'stuffed' feeling. Then we force ourselves to stop. That is, unless we continue to nibble while we put away the leftovers and clean the dishes. We are also accustomed to eating until the food is gone. Yep. The old 'clean your plate' habit.
The second part of this Golden Rule that is challenging is to actually STOP eating when we do reach the recognized 'satisfied or full' point. Last night, my husband and I grilled some chicken breasts on our new grill. Yum. It was great. The problem? I got full before I had finished eating my portion! Oh, no! I didn't want to stop. It tasted so good!
I had 3 choices here. (1) eat it anyway and defeat the good McKenna's program is going for me. (2) save it for later. I could have had a small snack before it went to bed. (3) give it to my husband to eat. I chose #3. I won!!! I was satisfied and didn't overeat!!!
If you would like to learn more about this Golden Rule and specifics on how to implement it into your life, log on to www.mckenna.com and register. Then you can read the excellent suggestions contained in the Community section of the website.
The second part of this Golden Rule that is challenging is to actually STOP eating when we do reach the recognized 'satisfied or full' point. Last night, my husband and I grilled some chicken breasts on our new grill. Yum. It was great. The problem? I got full before I had finished eating my portion! Oh, no! I didn't want to stop. It tasted so good!
I had 3 choices here. (1) eat it anyway and defeat the good McKenna's program is going for me. (2) save it for later. I could have had a small snack before it went to bed. (3) give it to my husband to eat. I chose #3. I won!!! I was satisfied and didn't overeat!!!
If you would like to learn more about this Golden Rule and specifics on how to implement it into your life, log on to www.mckenna.com and register. Then you can read the excellent suggestions contained in the Community section of the website.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Well, Maybe My Weight Doesn't Matter, But I Do Care!
A couple of days ago I wrote a post stating that the numbers on the scales are not the top priority when you are seeking to control an overeating addiction. Instead not abusing food is the focus and daily goal of a recovering compulsive overeater.
However, I am here to tell you that I do like to see the numbers on my scales go down. Don't you? You get in the morning, stand on the scales and say, "Yes!", when you see a lower number than the day before! I do!
And what about the days when the scales may show the same weight as the day before, which they will on most days, or oh, dear, the numbers go up by one or two pounds. Does your "Yes!" turn into "Oh, no. This is not good. I am doing my best. I have eaten everything I should and nothing I shouldn't. This is diet is just not working for me. I think I'll eat pizza today, and maybe some dessert as well." If you are one of those people who can't handle a momentary increase or a temporary stabilization in your weight, then Don't Weigh Daily!!!! Do it once a week, or once a month. Not daily. Don't sabotage all your hard work and right eating by just seeing discouraging numbers on your scales.
Lisa, my daughter, has been on this new eating plan for almost a month now and I don't think she has weighed once. She fears that she might be discouraged if she gets in the scales and sees little or no weight loss. Lisa knows she is losing weight by the way her clothes fit and that is good enough for her. Yea, Lisa!!!
For me, however, I like to see the numbers daily. Ok, at least twice daily. Yes, this is coming form the same person who wrote 'It doesn't matter what you weigh." Yes, that is true, but I do care!
I have not told you what my starting weight was. I thought about whether or not to share that gosh awful number with you and decided against it. The main reason? I am too embarrassed. I just can't write that number on this blog and know that all the world is going to see it. I can't do it I will, however, share with you my pounds lost as they gradually come off.
In a few days I may write about my goal and how much I have to lose and then you can do the math!
For today let it be known that, thus far, after my 6th day on the diet, I have lost 3 pounds!!!!! Thank you for your applause!
Have a wonderful day. May God bless you and your family.
However, I am here to tell you that I do like to see the numbers on my scales go down. Don't you? You get in the morning, stand on the scales and say, "Yes!", when you see a lower number than the day before! I do!
And what about the days when the scales may show the same weight as the day before, which they will on most days, or oh, dear, the numbers go up by one or two pounds. Does your "Yes!" turn into "Oh, no. This is not good. I am doing my best. I have eaten everything I should and nothing I shouldn't. This is diet is just not working for me. I think I'll eat pizza today, and maybe some dessert as well." If you are one of those people who can't handle a momentary increase or a temporary stabilization in your weight, then Don't Weigh Daily!!!! Do it once a week, or once a month. Not daily. Don't sabotage all your hard work and right eating by just seeing discouraging numbers on your scales.
Lisa, my daughter, has been on this new eating plan for almost a month now and I don't think she has weighed once. She fears that she might be discouraged if she gets in the scales and sees little or no weight loss. Lisa knows she is losing weight by the way her clothes fit and that is good enough for her. Yea, Lisa!!!
For me, however, I like to see the numbers daily. Ok, at least twice daily. Yes, this is coming form the same person who wrote 'It doesn't matter what you weigh." Yes, that is true, but I do care!
I have not told you what my starting weight was. I thought about whether or not to share that gosh awful number with you and decided against it. The main reason? I am too embarrassed. I just can't write that number on this blog and know that all the world is going to see it. I can't do it I will, however, share with you my pounds lost as they gradually come off.
In a few days I may write about my goal and how much I have to lose and then you can do the math!
For today let it be known that, thus far, after my 6th day on the diet, I have lost 3 pounds!!!!! Thank you for your applause!
Have a wonderful day. May God bless you and your family.
Monday, July 23, 2007
It Doesn't Matter What I Weigh
It doesn't!?!?!?!??!?
From the perspective of being a compulsive overeater, it doesn't matter what I weigh. The number on the scale is not the most important thing.
For a compulsive overeater who is living in recovery mode, the very most important thing, the top priority is to not abuse food. Not eating compulsively or thoughtlessly. That means, not absentmindedly taking extra bites while cooking, not eating little bits of cake just to even out the jagged cutting line, and not getting a hamburger and fries just to calm nerves or relieve stress. Has anybody beside me ever any of these things?
When we as compulsive overeaters have that raging desire to eat and eat and eat, even when you are not hungry, even when it is embarrassing, even when you know it is unhealthy, under control, then controlling our weight will not be a real issue. The numbers on the bathroom scales will within a healthy weight range! Yes!
From the perspective of being a compulsive overeater, it doesn't matter what I weigh. The number on the scale is not the most important thing.
For a compulsive overeater who is living in recovery mode, the very most important thing, the top priority is to not abuse food. Not eating compulsively or thoughtlessly. That means, not absentmindedly taking extra bites while cooking, not eating little bits of cake just to even out the jagged cutting line, and not getting a hamburger and fries just to calm nerves or relieve stress. Has anybody beside me ever any of these things?
When we as compulsive overeaters have that raging desire to eat and eat and eat, even when you are not hungry, even when it is embarrassing, even when you know it is unhealthy, under control, then controlling our weight will not be a real issue. The numbers on the bathroom scales will within a healthy weight range! Yes!
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