Adjusting to smaller meal sizes

For me at first I kept seeing my food and thinking, "OMG! I that all I am going to eat!?!?!? Whhhaaa?" Then at about 5 months out I happened to notice the serving size of things my Guy ate and it truly was a struggle not to be disgusted. I started noticing people eating in restaurants and think "OMG! How can they eat all of that!" It took me several months to stop noticing and just eat my food and be happy. Over time, my brain did adjust.

I have this problem. I am astonished at the amount of food people eat. I can't believe I used to eat like this.

I"m 3 years out and I weigh every bite of food I eat (except when I eat in restaurants, then I ask what the portion size is and base my decision on what to eat off of that . . . like if the answer is a 4oz filet of salmon, I know I can eat the whole thing, but if it's 6 oz, I lop of a chunk and pu**** to the side). I don't know that I'll ever feel comfortable "eyeballing" portions again. I've learned I can't trust my judgment when it comes to portion size.

But to answer your question, I try to play mental tricks on myself. I eat off op salad plates at home or a small paper plate at work. I NEVER use a regular size plate if I'm not at a restaurant. Using the smaller plate makes it seem, visually, like you have more food. I cut my food into small pieces . . . again to trick my mind into thinking i'm getting more food. These tricks have helped to convince me that I'm eating a "normal" portion

I am 11 weeks post surgery. I don't really have any issue with seeing how little food is on my plate, but I find that I am not ready to stop eating because it tastes good and I enjoy eating...but its gone. It's all good so far, I don't eat more or anything - just an observation...it's like when the fun carnival ride comes to an end...

I have beautiful small plates. Most are china that I've picked up. I don't need a big plate.

I also have lovely small bowls.

I still have trouble sometimes and I had surgery in 08.

Where I seem to get caught up is in the meal prep itself. I enjoy cooking but sometimes the effort is lost on delivery. Say even something simple like tacos in lettuce cups. I will spend way too much time chopping and preparing a bunch of toppings, and side dishes. Then go to serve my self, and only realize then I won't be having most of it, if anything other than meat and cheese.

I am 6 months out. But for the most part I can't eat more. So the dogs get scraps lol.

To me the amount I eat now is so normal that I am flabbergasted by the amount others eat. I will watch my best friend (who is not large in the slightest) polish off 2 days with of food for me in one sitting. It's amazing! :D