What is normal eating?

Have you achieved this? I  sure as hell haven't.

What are the rules of “normal" eating?

The rules of “normal" eating are deceptively simple. Excepting unusual cir****tances, “normal" eaters:

1. Eat when they are hungry or have a craving

2. Choose foods they believe will satisfy them

3. Stay connected to their bodies and eat with awareness and enjoyment

4. Stop eating when they are full or satisfied

Reprinted from The Rules of "Normal" Eating
by Karin R. Koenig, LCSW, M.Ed

Further excerpt:
http://www.bulimia.com/client/client_pages/exerptrul.cfm

Since your digestive system is no longer "normal"....you should not neccessarily follow these rules. And of course, everyone is different. What works for you, probably wouldnt work for me and vice versa.

1. Eat when they are hungry or have a craving

(Some people who are post-WLS do not have or feel the urge to eat so they must schedule meals and eat whether they're hungry or not. Others, like me, never lost their appetite and are still reminded to eat every few hours).

2. Choose foods they believe will satisfy them

(I agree with this, as long as they mean "physically" satisfy them, not mentally/emotionally. It's quite important, especially for us, to choose foods that will "physically" satisfy us.  Dense protein (lean meats) and firm veggies will keep you full longer, whereas things like soup...not so much.  Not that there is anything wrong with enjoying what you eat, that is important too, but you've got to be aware of how that particular food is going to affect your level of consumption.)

3. Stay connected to their bodies and eat with awareness and enjoyment.

(I also agree with this.  It's obviously very important to track your eating and be aware of every single thing that goes into your mouth, and be accountable for it.  Also, though we're sometimes told that now we are supposed to eat to live, instead of live to eat, there are many of us who do still enjoy eating...quite a bit.  Personally, I get satisfaction that I can prepare different meals, using creativity, that are both delicious and nutritionally sound.)

4. Stop eating when they are full or satisfied

(Again, this varies widely among those post-WLS.   The amount of food you can eat is probably alot different from what I can eat.  I know alot of people who get a strong reminder when they've eaten enough, or too much (tightness in chest, burping, hiccups, vomiting, etc).   As for me, not so much. I rarely get any signs of fullness or satisfaction so I know that I must measure my food properly and eat only what is on my plate (1 - 1.5 cups @ 2 years out).  I've never gotten sick a single time from eating too much because I always stuck to the plan of my nutritionist, and I can tell you that it sometimes takes immense focus...haha. )

Excellent response Adam.  Your words just reinforce my belief that I need to continue measuring and journaling my food each day.  I don't get... and never did get even before WLS... the sensation of hunger. I have to eat according to a timetable.  I DO get full.. and much faster than before.. but still eat too fast and can get ahead of that feeling. Thanks for the post.

Nice reply here.

1.  I am one of the people that must be reminded to eat because I haven't been hungry since the day I had surgery.  I know I am hungry after the fact.  Once I am getting weak, light headed, etc... that is when I know I forgot to eat.

2.  I try to eat meat, be it beef, pork, chicken, fish, etc... Once I have had something of substance then I might have a veggi, carbs or sweets.

4.  I have to watch this because I get tired of measuring my food out, so I just eat and when I am full I am done.  However, I have to eat slowly and 'listen' to my body or I get too full.

Good post.  You will know what to eat and how much.  Your stoma will take you down and punish you if you make bad choices and eat to much. I'am over a year out and can eat anything, however I dont want a regain so I watch my proteins, carbs and exercise.  You will find that regain is very real after 1+ years.  The food choices/amounts MUST be adheared to or its fat city in 5

Regarding your first rule, I agree with eating when you are truly hungry.  However, care should be taken when you crave food.  If you know that you are satisfied nutritionally, craving may occur but you are better off cultivating a habit of not giving in to eating when you crave food.  Dr Judith Beck advises that we know we will not starve until we have our next meal.  If you know you are going to eat within a few hours during the day, you can delay eating until your next meal.  If you get a craving in the evening or at night, the same diligence would help.  Remember all of the times that you had to go without food for many hours prior to blood work or other medical tests.  You can do it.  Another helpful ploy is to just develop distraction techniques for when you are tempted to eat;  by delaying eating, the head hunger often simply goes away.