Going Back to the basics: Let's face it, we're entrenched in an era where instant gratification is woven into our daily lives. We desire to shed those extra pounds today, hoping to wake up tomorrow with a slimmer figure. But reality doesn't conform to our whims. Like many, I've embarked on such endeavors, only to find myself waking up disappointed.
How many of us have uttered the words, "I'm going on a diet"?
Guilty as charged.
The ensuing question is inevitable: Which diet to choose? The options seem endless—the Keto diet, the all-protein regimen, meal service subscriptions, the list goes on. I've been on diets prescribing peculiar meals like a full rotisserie chicken for lunch and oranges with cucumbers sprinkled with salt for snacks. Sure, I shed some weight, but once I reverted to regular eating habits, the pounds came back, and then some.
So how do we navigate this sea of choices? It's not merely about picking one; it's about making an informed decision, our decision. Consider this:
Cut back: Sounds simple, right? Far from it. It's as tough as... well, you fill in the blank.
We've grown up with the notion of finishing what's on our plates—"there are people who go hungry, and you have food," they said. So, naturally, we cleaned our plates, unwittingly adopting a detrimental habit.
How do we rectify this? Yes, cutting back is key. Start with using a smaller plate. How many of us opt for the largest plate, akin to a size 10 Dixie plate?
Try a smaller one, perhaps a dessert plate. But here's the next query:
Won't I be hungry in an hour or two if I eat from a dessert plate? Well, therein lies the magic phrase. You might feel peckish later on, or you might not. If hunger strikes, reach for something nutritious: nuts, yogurt, fruit, an egg. In fact, many folks eat every two hours, syncing their meals to the clock. I've done it myself.
Slow Down: In our fast-paced lives, we've become accustomed to eating on the go. "I'll grab something between meetings, jobs, kids' sports," we say. But perhaps it's time to hit the brakes and slow down. How do we do that? Start by eating on a smaller plate. Now, here's a fun twist—try using your non-dominant hand or even children's utensils. It may sound absurd, but those little forks won't let you take giant bites!
Another trick: When you take a bite, put your silverware down. Why?
It's a lesson in slowing down. Ever watched those funny clips of people practically inhaling their food, just to keep up with the pace? You don't want to be that person.
Next up: Chew, chew, chew like a train. Crazy, right?
Not at all.
When you put that fork down, chew until your food is practically mush in your mouth. This not only aids digestion but also lets you savor the flavors longer.
But what about soup?
Well, just set the spoon down and take a breather before your next spoonful.
Why is all this important?
Because by slowing down, chewing, and pausing, you're actually listening to your brain. Did you know it takes a moment for your brain to catch up and realize you're full? So, chew away, and give your brain time to signal, "Hey, I'm full!"
Think of your stomach like a small balloon. At first, it's tough to blow up, right? You stretch it out, blow some more, and eventually, it starts to fill up. Our stomach works much the same way. We eat a little, it's okay. But then we overdo it, stretching our stomachs until they require more to feel satisfied.
So, how do we tackle this? It's not a quick fix—it's a retraining. God designed Our bodies to be amazing at recovering, including our stomachs. By opting for smaller meals and taking your time, your stomach will gradually shrink back to its natural size. The key is listening—listen to your body when it tells you it's had enough.
I hope these tips help on your journey, as they've certainly aided mine. Let me know what you think!