Keeping Food Warm While Mindful Eating

Hi All, I was wondering what kind of strategies folks use to keep food warm while mindful eating.  I'm only 7 weeks post op but have been having trouble during the last quarter of my dinners because it has gotten so cold and the meat starts to taste nasty!!  My wife found this plate on a web site: http://www.colonialmedical.com/product.php?productid=17301 but was wondering if anyone has used something similar or come up with other good ideas.

Maybe this is just a problem because I am so new and the meals won't take me 45 mins in the future but I figured I'd tap into the collective to see what you folks have done!

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

 Been having the same issue. When I eat slow enough to not throw up the food gets cold and I can't finish because it tastes terrible. When I eat to fast i end up throwing it up and waste the entire effort of eating. 

It is funny how eating has become a chore and I really don't enjoy what I used to love. 

I totally hear you about eating becoming a chore.  I really don't enjoy eating any more  which is good for my weight loss but not so good for my psychie!  I actually tried a couple reduced fat cape cod chips yesterday and chewed them to mush.  They just didn't taste the same and I have no craving whatsoever for them again.  My default meal now is a protein shake because I get my protein in and its easy to drink.  I totally realize that I need to keep my eye on the prize (being in shape and living longer for my girls) which is what keeps my going...

I am very interested in hearing how the long termers have handled the problem and if it is still a problem at 6 months, 1 year or longer out.

Try a HotSmart Plate; they stay hot for a long time and they are safe to handle with the bare hands, all you have to do is to preheat them for ONE single minute in the microwave. Google them.

 Hey Michael and Wired - you have uncoverd or discovered one of the "Ninja Secrets" to WLS success....Food just aint what it used to be.  To me, this has been one of the biggest and best benefits of the post-op life.  Food just doesn't have the grip on me that it used to.  Ahhh...FREEDOM!!!

However, to your point, to be healthly, we do need to eat, and since we can only eat a little at a time, and IF we can only eat a little, might as well make it taste good and be enjoyable, here are some of my methods.

1)  Use a smaller plate and serve yourself much smaller portions.  If you get through the small portion and you still feel like you want some more, go back for another small helping.  Seems to me that food left on the stove or in the oven on low heat stays warmer and tastier than just getting cold on the plate.  

2) If eating out, order off the Appetizer, Senior, or Kids menu or ask for a 1/2 portion or split the meal with someone you are with.  My favorite place is now a TAPAS bar.  You order a small plate.  Share it with whom ever you are with, then order another if you/they want.  Really makes for a fun evening and no one is in a hurry or looking at you funny cuz you are only eating a little. (not that really matters but it's one of those "mind" things).

3) Again if our, or even if preparing something at home, pick something you will like heated up or as left-over the next day or later.  I've now gotten in the habit of my lunch being left-overs from what I had the night before.  This is really a change for me as prior to WLS I didn't like left overs...well actually, I never had them cuz I scarfed my order, my wife's, and kids and there was nothing left.

Hope these help...I am sure some of the other guys have other ideas and suggestions.  Bottom-line, find what works for you and keep doing what you are doing to eat healthy!  Best of luck and continued success!  Mike

I love that we've stumbled on to the Ninja WLS secret!!  It is amazing to think that food wouldn't have the grip on me that it has in the past but I really feel it slowly but surely happening and that noose is loosening!!  Amazing!!!

Great suggestions especially on taking smaller portions.  I had been weighing out my entire 3 oz of protein and by the time I get to the third oz it is cold.  I'm going to have to try a TAPAS bar.  That sounds fun!!

Thanks!

Had the same problem and solved it by using a candle warmer or coffee cup warmer. I put my food in small bowl (not eating enough for a full plate) and then put the bowl on the candle warmer. Keeps the food hot while I eat the small bites.

FYI my docs recommend that I take up to 20 minutes for my 4-6 oz meals. Couldn't do it without using a warmer.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candle_warmer

That's a cool (I mean warm!!) idea.  Thanks!

I think this really is the secret to eating healthy post op.  Most of the things good for us taste the same no matter if it is hot or cold.  I have just learned to eat stuff cold or at the point it is cold I am just done. 

I also eat left overs but it is from the day before, and the day before and day before.  Yes I will typically eat the same thing 3-4 days in a row.

 I agree with the other posts. Much smaller portions. I to am a Ninja WLS eater. My portions are so tiny that I don't have a problem with them getting cold anymore, but did have for the first two months. I also cannot stand eating leftovers anymore. NOT HAPPENING!!! Most times even though the food tastes good, I can barely get it down the first time. So, having it a second time is not in the cards.

Smaller portions for sure is the key. I get my protein (most of the time), then see about a veggie or fruit, or carb, and then I am done. I split meals every time I go out to dinner with my wife, and even then we still have leftovers (for her). If I am alone on business, I order an appetizer. 

I spent about $12,000 a year going out to dinner with my family during 2010. I am currently on pace while still going out to spend about $3,000. What a huge difference. Will make for a great vacation fund.