I was drinking a Diet Coke the other day. It was one of those 20oz bottles and after just a few short gulps my stomach felt like it was going to explode. I realized that same, I will spare you the adjectives, creeps up on me while I eat sometimes. Have you ever been out or something and you are so full but you just keep eating? What is that?
I discussed it with hubby and we both agreed that it was fear that keeps us eating. Maybe the memory of dad setting the timer until you finished your dinner (sorry to out you dad) is the source of the fear but I would bet it is most likely something else. There is a part of us that fears that we "will never get this opportunity" again or "I can't waste money and not finish". Both of these are a little true but are they worth the heartache and pain? The courage to throw away the last few bites of a caramel cheesecake is immense; but, the gratification when you are driving away can be equally immense - you really will survive. (If you find yourself in a full-on panic then fantastic! we have identified a pretty serious issue and there is help. Don't be afraid to get the help you need and deserve.)
Am I perfect at this...NO! I am a work in progress. As long as the progress is stable we are winning the battle. It doesn't matter how slow or fast that progress takes either. It is you that defines your success. Sometimes we just need to use manual drive instead of auto pilot.
So, here is your homework. Go and buy one of those 20oz bottles of soda - any kind will do. Don't worry about the calories, this is research. Try to drink it in under five minutes. This will be easier for some than others. Now, pay attention to what you feel like. Put that feeling in your memory bank and use it to gauge future hunger/full levels. This will be a ten and starving a one. Try to stay in the middle of the boat. Being starving can cause its own problems. Eat at about a two and stop at a seven or eight. Listen to your body. It is smarter than me or anyone else giving out weight loss advice!
