People often comment about me being thin – maybe too thin. I can’t help but feel the trick I am about to tell you has something to do to keep lean.
When I was in ROTC boot camp at Quantico, the drill sergeants felt they needed to teach us everything from the ground up. Yes, I learned how to brush my teeth again. I learned how to shine shoes. And yes, I learned a new way to eat.
What they teach you to do is put your fork down between bites.
It may not sound like an earth shattering tip, but let’s break it down:
When you put down your eating utensil, you are mentally pausing while you eat. This lets you enjoy your food more. Plus, it gives your brain more opportunity to tell if you are full.
I’ve seen oddly shaped timers for sale that you are supposed to set, take a bite and chew your food until it rings. You don’t need a timer if you simply set down your utensil between bites. Silverware is everywhere. I can easily see leaving a timer like this behind…on purpose.
I’d also add, similar to how Jill Weisenberger says in 10 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight, “Make it a house rule to eat from a dish.” I suggest using silverware for eating most everything. For example, I eat pizza with a knife and fork. Just don’t forget to set down the fork between bites.
If you are eating from a dish with silverware, you can see the portion sizes. You have more control over how quickly you eat. And when you go back for more, you have to make a conscious effort to do so.
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This is excellent advice and so simple. My mum used to tell me that if you chewed an apple properly you wouldn’t be able to eat more than one. I think the same principle applies.
I shall be following your advice from now on and I’ll let you know if it has a beneficial effect on my weight (I’ve gained around 7lbs recently).
I too have comments about my weight or lack of…
What you’re describing there is the same thing that keeps me thin, realise you are full and stop eating, it’s as simple as that.
It’s actually much more pleasant to stop before you feel like you’re going to die anyway… So enjoy your food, eat less.
That’s a good idea. If you start stuffing your face with food it’s easy to overeat. If you eat slowly, either by putting down your fork or just by pacing yourself, you’ll be more aware of what you’re eating.
There was a recent LifeHacker article on this.
http://lifehacker.com/5116120/how-eating-slowly-will-help-you-lose-weight
Plus the Duchess of Hamilton also recommends putting your fork down:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3511751/Secrets-of-the-good-manners-diet.html
Interesting. I’ve already lost 20 pounds, but I’ve been stuck for the last 2 weeks. I’ll have to give this a try.
That’s a good tip!
When you reach 40, your body just isn’t as efficient, esp when you seldom exercise. Personally, I look at how much I have on my plate, and when I have finished, that’s it. Of course, I only put what I intend to eat on my plate.
Here’s my tip: Eat before you are starving! Otherwise, you tend to gorge.
Ya, but if I did that my 13 year old son would eat everything and I would go hungry. That boy eats with his hands, must be nice to have a 13 year old metabolism.
Great tip! I make a modest translation to spanish in my blog http://wikijuanan.com/2009/05/la-dieta-del-tenedor-como-adelgazar-usando-la-vajilla-y-la-cuberteria/
Juanan Ruizs last blog post..La dieta del tenedor: cómo adelgazar usando la vajilla y la cubertería
This is a new idea to me! I love the simplicity of it and will definitely give it a try (let’s see what my husband says seeing me putting down and picking up my eating utensils
.-= how to stop cravings´s last blog ..How to Stop Food Cravings with the Sedona Method =-.
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