portion eye opener

Noticed how big plates are? We went out to breakfast yesterday morning, and I thought I'd share something with y'all. The four of us (two adults, a five year old, and a two year old) all ate from one order.

For $7.50, The Lumberjack supplied my family with 3 eggs, 3 bacon, 3 sausage, 4 pieces of toast, a large portion of hash browns, and 5 pancakes.

We ate to our fill, and there were still pieces left over and two of the pancakes. It was eye-opening looking around at the other people there who were eating these type of plates by themselves!

It's no wonder we over eat.

Yep, most of the time I split my breakfasts with my wife now. She will take the bacon, toast, most of the hashbrowns and the pancakes. I get the eggs, a small taste of hashbrowns (I just can't resist), maybe a piece of bacon. Hell I would have eaten all that before, and possibly a side of biscuits and gravy. I guess that's the difference between 441 pounds and 225 pounds. Scott

I guess that's the difference between 441 pounds and 225 pounds. Nope . . . the difference between 441 pounds and 225 pounds is 216 pounds!!  BwaHahahahaha!!!  (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

I almost always share meals with someone now. A lady I have been seeing is excited that we can share a meal (cheaper and she doesn't eat as much!). Also I just got back from a 9 day business trip and my coworkers liked that I didn't eat as much as they took a lot of my food that I ordered (including half a filet from Morton's). But it doesn't bother me that they take it.. it prevents me from overeating.. But it is a surprise to see what portion sizes really are in comparison to what we should really eat.

God, no doubt.
There is a place I go to lunch with a group of friends from time to time in Kirkland called The Brown Bag Cafe. The portions are enormous. I've never seen this much food on a plate anywhere else with the possible exclusion of those meal you can get for free if you finish the whole thing.

For example, a nice pastrami sandwich looks like this:
Two slices of bread approx 7x7 and 2 inches thick
1/3 pound of pastrami & cheese
1/2 cup of coleslaw
3/4 pound of french fries
Probably around 2000 calories and 60 grams of fat/200 grams of carbohydrates or more.

The sign says "No Sissy Food". I'm so glad to be a sissy now.

No kidding. I have gotten to where I just order off the side items or the appetizer menu. No way I can eat a whole plate full of anything at a restaurant. For breakfast I usually get something like 1 egg and 1/2 order or bacon. 

I think the hardest part is I have always orderd from the "I want to get my moneys worth" side of the menu. Buffets were big ticket items.  I always wanted to make sure I didn't leave the place hungry. Now I still have that in my mind even though I eat so much less.  I find myself thinking I didn't get value for my dollar.  I think that is going to be a long lasting mental struggle. Scott

Seht ; You are right about one thing . It will take a LOOOOOng time to get that out of your mind . I am almost three years out and I still have a hard time with that one . I too was always one for get my money's worth .  ( BUFFETS ) you bet I like um . Now I dont even look at a buffet, it's a waste of my money . I am learning to deal with the fact , that's its OK  as long as Im full then I got my money's worth . End of story !! I have to tell myself that ALL  the time ( it's OK )   It is no wonder we American's are all becoming a nation of fat people .  I hate to say that , but it's true . Portion sizes are out of control .  ( super size that for you today ) ( yes please )    Ya  see what Im saying .  We can start by teaching our kids and family members about the right portion size. It is an eye opener  when you go out to eat !!! Everthing seem's sooo big . And to think I would have eaten ALL OF THAT  , and then some on a good day . ( or would that be a bad day ) Best wishes  Nick

My wife and I went out for dinner a few weeks ago.  We got a dinner and shared it and had more then enough to have a second meal for both of us from the doggie bag!  Even after the second meal we had food left over!  It amazes me how much I would eat before my surgery, at which time I would have told you I would be starving if I was eating such a low number a calories.

Jim