Comments on: Slow down, you eat too fast/Got to make the dinner last

By: Dennis

Dennis — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:53:06 +0000

I’ve always had problems with weight control and until I read what I read on this site I didn’t know how fast I eat anything could be the cause or at least part of the cause of my being over weight.
Due to the information I have learned I will most definitely try to start eating slower.Thank you.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:17:46 +0000

I can finish an entire restaurant portion too, but for me it’s more a “clean your plate” syndrome. But, I’ve had good luck using psychological end-of-meal cues, the most effective for me have been a nice cup of coffee (even decaf, sometimes paired with a square of chocolate) or a nice strong peppermint gum. I also try to eat mainly at restaurants that I can walk to, the walk back home is another good cue that the meal is over (and good incentive not to get too full)!

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:01:05 +0000

Eating more slowly is a big one. Protein and fibre are the most satiating things to consume. In the long run, fat tends to increase satiety, but in the short term, it may actually increase appetite as we are primed to crave sweet and fatty foods. I’ve also found that drinking a lot of water following a big meal seems to curb it. Could be that in fact many folks misperceive thirst as hunger.

Finally, I’ve found that having rituals that signify the end of a meal help with psychological cuing. For many people, this is having something sweet, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Fruit will often do the job just fine.

By: jane

jane — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:50:40 +0000

Wow, I thought there was something wrong with me because I often feel hungry again right after eating! I could not understand why I feel hungry even though I just ate and know I should be satisfied. Any other suggestions on how to curb this?

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:55:38 +0000

Restaurant hunger.

I am familiar with that! Strangely enough it only happens when I overeat at the restaurant, then want to eat more.

If I eat a sane amount at a restaurant and leave feeling satisfied rather than bloated then I do not get the munchies when I get home…

I think it’s partly the “I’ve blown it.” Whether you are dieting or not.

By: Matt S

Matt S — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:08:54 +0000

I have seen this approach outline before, but it is definitely to great to read some scholarly support for eating more slowly.

I first learned that eating slowly is more optimal through some of Christian Thibaudeau’s bodybuilding literature. Now I know that academia is also inline with this perspective!

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:05:46 +0000

LOL I feel your pain. I’ve definitely had to come up with lots of strategies like that to curtail the Stomach That Walks Like A Woman. Portion control is key. Also, pack up leftovers from dinner BEFORE I start eating dinner. Otherwise, they’re gone too.

There is actually an effect called something like “restaurant hunger” or “second meal effect”. When the brain is rewarded by a very tasty meal, in susceptible people, it actually increases hunger. So you have one, filling, delicious meal. Then you get home and you’re like, “Ooh, snack time!” even though physically you’ve had quite enough.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:13:36 +0000

I’ve been unable to break myself of the wolfing habit, so I just make sure to measure my portions carefully. That’s what I get, and no more, until at least an hour afterward (by which time I’ve usually forgotten). Unfortunately, I’m still that freak who can finish an entire entree at a chain restaurant — I wish they would let me order off the senior menu.