I was amazed at myself the other day. As I got ready for bed, I realized that I hadn't eaten a single meal all day! I just did my usual routine around the house and never once got hungry! Immediately, hope ignited in my heart that I might once again see the digits I dream about on the bathroom scale.
How did I do it?? How did I beat Mother Nature? Why, I could write a book on How to Lose Weight without Feeling Hungry!
And suddenly my self-congratulatory party evaporated as I realized one minor detail:
I never ate one single meal........BUT I ATE ALL DAY LONG!
I nibbled on a container of yoghurt and walnuts in the morning. I munched on chips and ham and cheese as I made lunch for my husband. I had a piece of cake while standing at the counter, french bread and spoonfuls of food while making dinner for my son. Ice cream and popcorn while watching a movie. A can of Pepsi.
I've been kidding myself, thinking I eat like a bird, when in reality, I graze like a cow.
My worst habit is nibbling while I'm cooking. Sometimes I get so hungry that I have to eat before I eat. I enjoy living in the fantasy world of believing that food eaten by the handful doesn't actually count.
Today's Small Thing is to simply put your food on a plate before you eat it. This might be a real challenge, given that this whole week is the biggest Munching Event of the year. This weekend there will be giant bowls of chips and dip, decadent desserts, and casseroles whose chief ingredients are butter, sour cream and cheese. But a spoonful here and there adds up to full meals before you even realize it!
Putting your food (and snacks) on a plate will help you pause before stuffing it in your mouth. It will help your realize the actual quantity of food you are eating, and quite frankly, it's a much classier way to go. You're going to have to snap out of your delusional thought pattern that "handfuls and nibbles don't count," but don't worry, I'll be right there with you. I need help dealing with harsh reality.
POINTS: 50 for putting your food (including snacks, nibbles and handfuls) on a plate before consuming them. You can eat the same amount if you want, but just pretend you are royalty who eats delicately from a glided plate. (British accent is optional.)
I'm going to try this challenge all week....especially through the weekend! Please keep me company.
