Gentle Eating

cjsacto

Has anyone tried this, or have any thoughts about it?

I have really been thinking about something I heard about a while ago: people who chronically overeat do not enjoy food as much as people who eat less. They can see that the pleasure center of the brain doesn't "light up" as much for an overeater when they consumer food as it does for a "normal" person.

So, this means we stuff food down and don't really get pleasure from it. Been there.

The process of Gentle Eating is basically just thoughtful eating. You take a bite, then set your fork down (rather than having the next bite on deck immediately) and put your hands in your lap. As you chew, you reflect on the flavors, textures, and the process it has taken to get that food to your table. This is especially pleasant if you are eating "clean" food, but even if you are eating packaged or restaurant food, you can think of how it got to you. Some say you have to chew x number of times, but that's a pretty strict version. Then, after you have swallowed you still take a beat before reaching for the next bite. It's not just eating slowly though, it's really thinking about what you are consuming and everything that was needed for you to get it.

I think some people do this naturally, but for those of us who got to be overweight by not really giving a lot of thought to what we are eating (is it in arm's reach?), it can help form a healthier relationship with food. And, give our bodies more time to let us know we are full.

Has anyone tried this for any length of time?

Edit to add: I googled and see there is a book with this title. I haven't read the book and I'm not promoting it. I'm not sure if the method I described above is exactly what the authors mean.

firemanfive0

Is that kinda like 'how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop'?? cause I am horrible at that. :bigsmile:

lee91356

I was told by my nutritionist to count 30 chews before I went back for another bite as away to keep the focus on the food and not the act of eating. Similar idea. It does help. I also cut my food into small bites. Sometimes I eat less and other times the same but just slower, either way I rarely walk away from my portioned meal feeling hungry or unsatisfied.

Confuzzled4ever

Heard of it.. yes.. tried it? Not on purpose. I do put my fork down in between bites at restaurants. since I started doing that I don't finish my plate at them.

cjsacto

I've only done it a few times, but each time it made me appreciate the food so much. Not just the food, but the farmers, the cook (even if that's me), the spices, etc.

I looked a little more at what therapists call gentle eating, and they have people journal about how the food makes them feel before they can eat and after they eat. It has to do with why they choose certain foods for emotional eating. I don't plan to do the journal thing, I just want to put more thought into enjoying every aspect of my meals.

I have found that whenever I am eating healthy and take the time to cook, I enjoy food so much more even if I am eating less of it.

uwdawg07

It is important to eat slow and enjoy your food, but I can't do it!!

I've been trying really hard, but I eat so fast. I just love eating!! haha I'm going to keep trying.

Mutant13

I prefer vengeful eating.

Like, ill rip into a steak while imagining the cow it came from was a real a-hole

lauren3101

I prefer vengeful eating.

Like, ill rip into a steak while imagining the cow it came from was a real a-hole

:laugh:

Tbh it sounds like my dinner would be cold by the time I finished!

Kymmu

When I was a kid I had to get braces as my bite wasn't in alignment...It took me ages to eat a meal.
I still eat slowly out of habit, and am always the last on at any table to finish.
Maybe it was good to have had to learn to chew slowly after all!