Focus on Taste?

epiphany29

So, I had my lap band surgery almost 3 years ago and I have done well, lost about 120 and counting.

Mentally I still have a great desire for food, but I have noticed over the last several months I am focusing much more on taste.

I have always considered myself picky because there are many foods I just won't eat although I get myself in trouble with the sweets.

I used to love to eat out (mostly because all that food that came to the table), but now that I can't finish even an appetizer I struggle with it. I want to. I want to enjoy that experience of eating out, but now have to focus on making sure that little bit of food I do eat tastes great. As a result I have been looking for smaller, non chain, fresh and unique restaurants to go to. I am having success and enjoying it. I love the new flavor explosions that have been created in my mouth as a result of the efforts of the chef. I have found myself less and less "unsatisfied" with having to stop when I am full. It's been great. Just this morning I went to brunch, and what I wanted to order they were out of. Thank goodness, the waitress clued me into the special which was absolutely amazing. I had sauteed banana pancakes with the absolutely best caramel that I have ever tasted.

I find myself focusing on flavor at home as well. I used to buy meat in bulk and freeze individual portions. Now I am making trips every day or two to the market for fresh meats and produce.

It's great to be enjoying the flavor of my food not just the "stuffed" feeling

Anyone else enjoying changes like this?

Pip

Agate69

Yes and no
300 pound me, loved the adventure of eating out and trying everything!

The new me, finds eating out stressful and unfulfilling nutritionally!

I applaud you in finding good adventures eating out.

Weight loss surgery killed the joy of eating for me! Three years post op,I still struggle to find a new joy!

annwyatt69

Me, I used to love eating out. I loved food and don't think I ever really took time to savor or enjoy the actual taste. Things I thought tasted good back then I now find to be just terribly low quality. While I still enjoy the social aspect of dining out, it is definitely quite stressful finding something that is nutritious, low fat, full of protein, and will fit into my meal plan. I have a couple of favorite "go to's" that I like to get when I go out and I know the places that have healthy things that I can work in.
I am appalled at restaurants that claim "healthy" foods and they are still slathered in oils, butters, high in sugar and/or fried.
I don't enjoy explaining to a waitress why I haven't touched my drink, or why I need a to go box because I barely touched the meal. Hence, the reason I stick to my go to places. They know me and know why I order what I do. For the record, I have no issue with Mc Donald's 4 piece chicken nuggets or Texas Country Dairy Queen's 2 chicken strips w/country gravy. Great on protein, yes there is sodium and the fried aspect, but calorie wise, it's an o.k. splurge out now and again.
I steer clear of the Olive Garden, steakhouses, chain Mexican restaurants (I make awesome low fat, low cal Mexican food at home.)
I don't do buffets. Nor Chinese from out. I make great Chinese food at home, and again it's very low cal, low fat, low sodium.
Yes, if I do go out, I want quality food that fits my meal plan, food that tastes good as well. Do I always eat for taste? No. I live on non fat lite Greek yogurt, fish, chicken, fresh vegetables, etc. If I ate for taste I'd be eating Hostess Ho Ho's all day long.

epiphany29

That's sort of what I mean. I have been living on those "right" foods that lack some taste and feeling so unsatisfied that all I want is sweets, ice cream, and chocolate milk.

I have had to find "good" foods and make them taste good for the satisfaction. New spices, fresh and learning how to make quick and easy sauces (that aren't "gravy").