Experiment and Discovery

After a comment I made here on a tips post about amount of food intake, I have been closely monitoring my portion size and have determined that I am definatley eating more than I previously thought.  But I haven't changed much from what I've been doing for the last maybe four months or so.  I have always struggled with size vs weight.  I think in ounces, and always used a scale but certain foods were more dense (so I was actually eating less than the 1/2cup equilavalent volume of 4 oz) or they were not heavy and I was eating more than 1/2cup.

So, I've really started to take note of what I ate this week so far.  And I'm definatley doing 3/4 to 1 cup of food.  Interesting.  And here I was thinking I wasn't raising up my portion size, but indeed over time I have.  I see that I do this most when I'm focusing on protein.  For instance, if I am at a restaurant having steak, I definately eat more, but consider it a really good source of protein and I'm okay with that.  I still have my trigger and know my limits and can put the fork down.

Other foods that maybe aren't the best choices I continue to take a much smaller portion.

I'm eating until I am satisfied, not hungry, and not stuffed and being in control this way is AWESOME!  I am careful to measure/eyeball my portion with concentration on protein first and maybe then a few bites of a side dish.  And this has been working for me.

So, to all who are looking at thier portion control, rest assured, yes, over time you can eat more, but you don't HAVE to eat more unless it is a really good food choice.  The key here is CONTROL.  And I am in control of what goes in my mouth and in a good way.  I'm not self medicating, I'm not being gluttonous, I'm just fueling my body and STILL losing weight.  AWESOME.  This tool is still my best friend.  :)

That is Wonderful Lauren!  Your email is very much an inspiring one.


Jeane 

What an awesome post! It is wonderful to know that YOU are in control and not the food anymore. VERY inspiring!

It is awesome that you have realized this and are taking mental measures to always be aware.  As most longer post op's know...your pouch will take more (and sometimes needs more) the farther you are from surgery.  They key is exactly what you have mentioned...stopping when satisfied, not full and being aware.  Foods have different consistancies and therefore you can eat more of some things than others.  For example...I have no problem eating two eggs with cheese and some oatmeal or yogurt (about 1/2 cup) at the same time.  This is because the oatmeal and yogurt are slider foods.  The eggs (I can't do scrambled at all) are mushed down to almost nothing therefore I can eat more of them.  Do I eat more of them???  Usually not...but I can.  Knowing I can only makes me more aware of when I am satisfied.  It is a wonderful tool.  Congratulations, Lauren on learning from it and using the tool wisely.  You are doing great!

New Digital Food Scale - I have a food scale but it is difficult to read so I ordered a digital scale from JCP yesterday.  It was on sale for $29 and looks like it will be much easier to read than the one I have now.  Especially with lighter, less dense foods, it is difficult to determine exactly how many ounces I am eating.  Hopefully, the new scale will help.  Janice

I have both types and prefer the digital.  It is a personal preference.  I hope you are able to find one that is easy to use!

Lauren,
   Thank you sharing your discovery. Being in control of ourselves is the best gift we cangive ourselves.
Cindy