Beachgal, I read your comments on the biological process of preparing your own food.

I think there's some truth to that. Dh and I went to the Farmers Market today and bought all kinds of fresh veggies and fruits. Since I'm doing this Detox thing, I have to make sure everything I eat is absolutely as clean as it can be. So, as much as possible, my food has to be soaked in a Clorox solution (1 T. Clorox to 1 gal of water) for about 15 minutes.

Believe me, that was a LOT of work washing all those fruits and veggies, then cutting some up for the coming week, and then making soup out of some, and salad, and then finally making dinner. I'm BEAT!!

But ya know, when I sat down to eat, I wasn't as hungry as I thought I'd be. It was no prob at all passing up the baby potatoes I'd made for dh and the BIL. I ate my half chicken breast with pineapple and peppers and was very satisfied.

May the scale Gods smile upon me tomorrow for being so virtuous!

Where is this theory? Sounds interesting. I've found that after I cook I'm not as hungry. Not sure why that is since I'm a pretty good cook.

Hi, Mama!

First of all, let me commend you on so much work! You are awesome, girl! I know your gallbladder thanks you. Sounds like when I was in Mexico...even those who lived there were unable to eat the lettuce...they had to soak it in a clorox solution before it was safe to eat. Does the food end up tasting 'bleachy'? I remember the lettuce tasted kind of 'vinegary' to me in Mexico.

Second, I think there's a lot to be said for that theory...glad to hear it helped you! Pear (love your sig!), the theory comes from Dr. Phil's book (I haven't read it and am not sure if he attributes it to someone else) and a friend told me about it. Basically, he says that part of our current problem with obesity is that we work to spend as little time preparing food as possible. He says that preparing food prepares our bodies to eat...that spending the time making food helps us be able to eat less of it, enjoy it more, and receive more nutrients. He talks about the way that smelling the food as you chop and cook it helps get everything in your digestive system primed to work with your food. Etc, etc, etc. You get the picture. I think that there's definitely something to it. I know I am much more satisfied when I make a nice dinner with fresh veggies and such than I was when I would nuke a hot pocket.

Has anyone else read his book and wants to chime in?

Mama, when do you start the detox? Today?

Makes sense to me. Thanks, beachgal.

Hmmm, maybe that is part of my problem, since I have a crummy sense of smell! Plus I have a bad back, and try to avoid standing (like at the cutting board) for any longer than I have to.

Haven't read Dr.Phil's book, but I too don't feel hungry after preparing a meal.. It's kinda like that saying that food taste better when someone else makes it!
For example, Thanksgiving dinner.. I hardly eat.
Good luck on that detox program Mama.. sounds like you are really committed! hmm, yeah, does the food taste bleachy?

H-Ko, I'm not certain of this, but I know that many Asian cultures believe that when food is attractively arranged and presented, it causes the digestive system to become better prepared to accept the food. Same idea, but with appearance rather than smell. You might try that...make sure you arrange your food on your plate in a nice way, take the time to choose foods that are bright and colorful (i.e. everything isn't beige...), and put out the nice china, nice fabric napkins, and good silver. Things like that tell your body to slow down, enjoy, and really taste your food. Can't hurt!

Beachgal - thanks for the idea (we actually are really into Asian food, and live in an area rich in Asian cultures). Sadly, the china is not going to be making an appearance until DS can restrain himself from attacking objects on the table ! Sometimes I do try to arrange things prettily, but during the week, I get back from fetching DH from the train station at about 6:30, which leaves about 3 hours to prepare, eat, and digest a meal before bedtime. Not a lot of time! As it is, with fixing DH's lunch and doing dishes after dinner, I often don't get to bed before midnight - and that is hard when we get up at 5 to get ready to take DH to the station in the am. So a lot is sacrificed during the week just due to exhaustion and lack of time. But I usually do better on weekends and special occasions!

Mamacita-I got excited when I saw your post about the pineapple chicken. I started a new thread inquiring about whether or not we can have pineapple on PII. If anybody knows the rule about pineapple please post it to the new thread. If we can have fresh pineapple but not canned, please post your recipe for the pineapple chicken.

Heather, I feel your pain. Same kind of schedule here, except we get to sleep in until 5:30. What luxury!

Maybe Corelle? So that DS can toss it on the floor all he wants and it won't break?