Hi folks -

Friday I started something new to do because I tend to eat very very fast. As of then - I am waiting 30 seconds between bites of food. You know...it's hard to do.

It's amazing how I kind of feel full when I do that - not really sure yet (I think that part of me is 'broken'). But, it's true if you wait about 20 minutes or so - sometimes the urge to eat is gone/lessened.

I have a second hand on my wristwatch and I casually look down at the second hand when I take a bite and am trying to really chew and taste the food. (something I rarely do - isn't funny how we think about food all day and then hardly think about it when we actually eat it? )

I think I'd like to keep doing it for 4-6 weeks and maybe it will become more second nature.

Anyone want to join in, too?

What a great idea! Your right, I think about my next meal all day and then eat it so fast, I can hardly taste it. I'm going to try this to. I also have tried making sure I have one sip of water for each bite I take. It fills me up faster and I get more water in my day that way.

Oh gosh, I dont think I could do this. Hope it works for you.....

Way to go Beverly! We just have to do whatever works for us and I'm glad this is working for you!

Hey how about 2 bites of salad for every bite of your dinner? That would fill you up on the good stuff too.

Oh my. I am certain I couldn't do this because it sounds like it would re-trigger a bunch of weirdness that would send my (__|__) spiraling right on down into that horrible **** that is disordered eating.

But if it works for you, work it!

It sounds like a good idea to me. It will then become 2nd nature to eat slower.

I read this before lunch today... and while I DIDN'T wait 30 seconds between bites (I really can't become obsessed about another thing) I DID slow down, finish chewing and swallowing and became very mindful of my food.

So thank you for that reminder

That's the next skill in the Beck Diet Solution! I'll be doing that or trying tomorrow.

I've been trying to incorporate mindful eating as well. I eat way too fast, distracted, and just shovel food in. But when I slow down, sit at the table and eat when my kids are already fed it is amazing how much less I eat - we're talking several CUPS of food less for the being satisfied, because I give my brain and mouth time to savor my yummy food and my body time to register and feel satisfaction.

This, plus eating mostly fruits and veggies, is really helping me lose weight when I stick to it.

I didn't know that slow mindful eating was part of the Beck Solution...interesting. While I don't plan to wait 30 seconds between bites all my life...I am hoping this exercise will help slow it down in the future.

LIke Tracy said - maybe it will become second nature...(I hope, I hope........)

I appreciate everyone's comments.

Beverlyjoy, it's so nice to see you again!

I think slowing down our eating is a great idea. I tend to eat much faster than I need to sometimes.

I hope your health is good and that your little grandson is doing well!

Yep, so far the skills have been: what are the good things about losing weight, figure out what healthy diet plan you will go on and a backup if it doesn't work, give yourself credit for good things you do, eat sitting down, eat slowly, and more.

I don't think I could do this either, but good luck. Another thing to try would be to chew every bite a certain amount of times. I've heard that can help, and doesn't require a watch.

LOL - totally dating myself, but back in the early 80's, Waterpik had a "bite counter" that I tried. You pressed the button every time you took a bite, and it would flash for 30 seconds. You also counted your bites each meal.