Rate of Eating

_jayciemarie_
_jayciemarie_ Posts: 574 Member
edited February 7 in Health and Weight Loss
Before I joined the Army I was a super slow eater. I picked apart my food and was always the last one to finish. Then I got a wake up call in Basic Training that if I actually wanted to get food into my belly--I had to shove it in fast. So, even though my Army days were over a decade ago (yes, I'm old) I still eat super fast. Can anyone give me tips on how to slow down and enjoy the meal? I feel like I have spent so much of my time overeating because it takes your belly so long to recognize the food you are putting into it. So, if I eat and eat and eat as fast as I have been--you get fat. So, even though I'm under my calories most days--I still eat fast and then sit there wanting more and it is painful. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Replies

  • keeptehpeace
    keeptehpeace Posts: 189 Member
    put your knife and fork down between bites, and make sure to drink lots of water during
  • kyleekay10
    kyleekay10 Posts: 1,812 Member
    I've started drinking water while I eat. Take a couple of bites, drink some water, go back to the food. It slows down my eating quite a bit.

    I've heard it also helps if you don't eat in front of the TV- some people tend to get into "mindless eating" mode when they do.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I know that feel
  • monisiaczeq
    monisiaczeq Posts: 131 Member
    chew your bites longer!! this is what i do :)
  • jrfarms88
    jrfarms88 Posts: 12 Member
    26 years of USMC did the same to my eating speed, I now put down the fork or spoon after every bite. Helped slow me down hope that helps
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    I enjoy my food regardless of how quickly or slowly I eat it. I only eat once a day, right after I lift, and it only takes me about 10 minutes to eat 1600 calories, which usually includes at least a pound of meat. I tried that whole "eat dinner for an hour so you think you're eating more" thing. I just don't have time. For me, it doesn't matter, as long as I'm eating the right amount.
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    I wish I would have read this thread before I demolished by breakfast sandwich in about 10 seconds. I miss it already. :sad:
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,180 Member
    I've heard some people count the number of times the chew each mouthful.
  • pseudomuffin
    pseudomuffin Posts: 1,058 Member
    I had a bad habit of eating as quickly as possible due to taking 18-21 credit hours every semester in my undergrad. Now, during meals I sit down with my plate and a book and let myself enjoy my food slowly while I read. It's been pretty effective and helps me relax, and I always read something for fun rather than something work or school related.
  • clambert1273
    clambert1273 Posts: 840 Member
    Prior Army as well... and I still eat fast and don't care lol I don't get hungrier after because of it. :)
  • navyrigger46
    navyrigger46 Posts: 1,301 Member
    The Navy did the same to me. What I do to combat it is sit back in my chair and take a deep breath between bites, it relaxes me and slows me down. In the military you have a tendency to huddle over your food and go at it two fisted, prison does the same thing from what I hear, you just have to learn to relax. No one is going to steal your food or shout "ATTENTION ON DECK!!!"

    Rigger
  • ciki90
    ciki90 Posts: 51 Member
    To eat slowly, there are so many things that you can try!
    -- drink water every few bites
    -- use a knife and fork on thigs you may use your hands with, it takes loger to eat!
    -- cut your bites a bit smaller
    -- divide your plate up and only finish small portions before you take a break from eating, put the fork down, have a bit of small talk maybe.
    -- (kind of odd) take a break and get up, walk around, go to the restroom and wash your hands, get a salt shaker, more water, etc.
    -- look at the clock when you've started eating. When you're finished eating, see how long it's been. If it hasn't been 30 minutes, sit at the table for a little while and let your food digest, remember the yum mines of the meal, then go clear the table.
    -- prepare meals that may take longer to eat naturally. A sandwich could take just a couple minutes to eat, but the same fillings on a bed of greens with bread on the side may take longer to eat.

    Good luck, hope this helps a little bit :D
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