I know that when it comes to food, I like to make sure I don’t go hungry, so I eat a lot. Nothing is worse than feeling hungry. My problem is when I am really hungry, I tend to eat until I can’t anymore, especially if I am enjoying the food I’m eating. I’m also one not to waste food, so I try to finish the food on my plate. I’ve learned (after reading this article from WebMD) not to get so much food when I get it, and when I go out to eat, its okay not to finish my plate because I don’t set those portions.
To find out ways to overcome overeating…
Ways To Stop Overeating:
- Eat slower: Food satisfaction signals target at least 12 minutes after eating for a thinner person, while it takes 20 minutes for an obese person. By eating slower, it gives your brain time to process these signals.
- Be aware: Eating while you’re watching tv or on the computer will definitely make you eat and eat, only to realize you finished the whole bag! It’s better to eat when you’re aware so you know when to stop.
- Enjoy the first bites: When you start eating your taste buds take in the initial flavors as soon as you begin eating. After a while, those flavors get used to and you’re more likely to keep going and going. By enjoying the initial taste it can help you know when you’re comfortable to stop.
- Portions: By portioning you can eat only what’s on your plate. By using a smaller plate you’re restricted. Also try to make enough food so there’s no way to go for seconds. That way you can’t force yourself to get more. I think this is the most important.
My real life example: Today I went to lunch with my boyfriend, and we went to this Spanish Restaurant. I ordered their 1/4 chicken with rice and beans. I knew that the portions are way more than I would eat so I didn’t finish the food, but I did eat enough that I felt satisfied. I also ate slower and enjoyed my food, and I wasn’t full like I usually was.
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Great advice. If you make sure that you have water at hand while you are eating, and concentrate on finishing your glass of water, you will also tend to eat a little less of the food even if it is in front of you. I often have a glass of water along side of a mug of tea or a pint of beer, so feel free to get the water even if you already have something else to drink. That doesn’t hold just for going out, either; I will also do that at home every night.