Mind VS Body
There is nothing magical about the absolute numbers except that we need to get a real visual of the amount we are really eating in order to make the portion control deeply ingrained. If we remain lightly flexible it seems less like punishment, at least to me.
Good luck finding what works for you. Sue
on 1/12/11 10:47 pm
Boy, is this a familiar feeling! There are many times my brain wants more (esp if the food is really tasty!) but tummy says NO. It's great you recognize this is going on and are trying to come up with a technique that works for you. The hardest part of any wls is the head game.
Generally when I want to eat more I have to do some "self talk" to get over this. Sure, it's easiest to toss the food out and get up and get moving doing something else. And, I do that too, but I want to be able to learn to some degree why I want more food than my tummy will allow and how I can get my mind to handle these feelings correctly (and ideally to know think that way at all, but that might take a miracle. lol)
I've found when I want more food, I have this feeling of somehow being left out or missing out on something if I don't eat more, deprived maybe? When I'm feeling this way, I try to analyze why I think I would be left out and tell myself that food won't make me feel more included. If eating in a group I try to really concentrate on the fun of just being together and the company instead of more food. If alone and stressed out (like some lunches at work) I try to focus on the good things about my work life and maybe a good book, or a walk or something else that is positive that makes me feel whole and good about myself.
This is a hard battle to fight and kudos to you for hanging in there!
Trixie
Well if anyone can tell you the magic trick - please tell me. I have been looking for it for almost 5 years.
But it should get easier! The early stages are the hardest, unles you are one of the lucky oens who get early restriction!
My one tip, stop eating before you feel full. Put down your knife and fork. Even walk away for a couple of minutes. Then go back. you may need more, but you may well find,. as i often do, that you have stopped feeling hungry.
Kate
Highest 290, Banded - 248 Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.
Happily banded since May 2006. Regain of 28lbs 2013-14. ALL GONE!
But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,
on 1/13/11 12:03 am
When the food is gone, I am done (or before, if my body tells me that I am done).
I always tell myself things like
1. there will be another meal
2. you have had enough for now -- let the food work to fuel you
3. you can eat again in a few hours
4. you are eating to be satisfied not stuffed or full
5. you are eating to fuel your body --- this is enough to do that -- your tank does not have to be on "F" -- it just needs to be off of "E" -- this was enough to take it off of "E"
This life change is so much an 'Inside Job' -- the work is in my head much more than it is in my stomach.
me too.
And it's hard. When I feel a little full I have to take a breath and put the food in the garbage or the fridge. My brain still wants MORE. I have to tell myself the fact I can't have more is a very good thing.
I also have 3 teens that are willing to clean up any leftovers...so that helps too.
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2010/12/study_finds_women_think_about.php
But if you want to just make yourself not hungry, you have to check out this article I ran into while trying to find the other one
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2011/01/the_five_worst_canned_foods_yo.php
No matter how bad I am on any given day I cannot see myself eating pork brains in milk gravy.
I think I can be good for the rest of the day now.
Pam