Working it!

Aug 30, 2010

 

I've only had one fill so I feel a little hesitant to make suggestions. I don't believe I have much if any restriction, I know I have a small pouch with a fairly large opening to my stomach at this point.  The opening to my stomach must be a little smaller than before the fill so I must have some restriction limiting my volume of food.  I have eaten larger than I should portions and felt stuffed but I don't think I could binge like I have in the past unless I choose to wash it down. For my physical hunger, this is what is working for me. I do know that after dieting for years, and ignoring my stomach clues, I don't really recognize when my stomach is full. Since reading these posts I have learned that the concept of "full" is subjective.  For me full used to mean stuffed.  I've had to redefine my concept of "full". Now I focus on eating slow, chewing each bite to bits, tasting and noticing flavor and textures, I totally savor my food.  After each swallow I note how my stomach feels. My new definite of "full" now, is NOT being hungry. This process take a lot of thought and time, my stomach has become my new best friend, it really slows eating down and  because I've chewed so much I feel more satisfied and I don't feel deprived.  Because I'm not stuffed when I notice my hunger is gone, and I still want more because it tastes so good, I give myself a limit, I tell myself that I will stop after 2 more small bites. This way, I mentally prepare to stop eating and I'm able to stop eating before I get stuffed.  I will admit that I have read the book by Paul McKenna, I Can Make You Thin.  For my mental hunger, emotional eating, I have found his methods very helpful.  Also, one final little tip that has helped me and my need to gnaw, is a  hard chewy little candy called, Puntini with only 3 calories. I order them on line at checkmatescandy.com, they now have a sugar free option with Stevia only 2 calories. It's like a jujube and it can take 10 minute to chew one of these, a warning, swallowing one of these whole could be as harmful as swallowing gum for someone with a lapband. Although I don't follow though 100% of the time I am losing, very slowly but I feeling good about it and I'm developing a new lifestyle of eating.

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