As a TOPS member, learning to make lifestyle changes that will give me good health so I can live longer and enjoy life to the fullest is important. Behavior and habits are related. “Good” behavior would mean I didn’t gobble my food or eat it so rapidly that I didn’t enjoy each bite. When I’m home alone, I should have the same behavior eating that I would have in public.
I personally love Bing cherries and look forward to them when they’re in season. I remember eating some on my way home from the grocery store years ago by just putting one in my mouth at a time, spitting out the seed, and eating it rapidly so I could grab another one to inhale. After a few without really enjoying the taste, I ate one very slowly and savored the taste. It’s amazing when I eat slowly how I don’t eat as much and I enjoy my food more. This behavior took me several years to learn. This year, I bought a few Bing cherries and waited until I got home, washed a few, put them in a small bowl, sat, and enjoyed each one. I was satisfied with the few I purchased and didn’t buy more later.
I don’t have the craving for sweets that I had when I first joined TOPS. I remember distinctly cutting a piece of cake or pie when it was on the counter and just putting it in my hand and immediately transferring it to my mouth. It was instant gratification. I normally (when the children were home) had more homemade goodies around. I learned 20 minutes after you eat something that you don’t even remember you ate it.
When I had goodies at the house and they started calling my name, before I cut a piece, I set the timer on the stove for 20 minutes and went about my business. Sometimes when the timer went off, I could reason with myself and tell myself that if I had already eaten it, I wouldn’t have remembered — and I would almost break my arm patting myself on the back because I refrained from adding extra calories to my day. However, when the timer went off, if I still felt I had to have whatever was calling my name, I would take a small plate out of the cupboard, cut a small piece of it, sit down with a fork and enjoy the item.
As years went on, I learned that the first bite tasted just like the last bite, and I have been able to feel satisfied by a smaller piece of dessert of any kind. I had a KOPS friend who made a lot of cookies for her children — she always ate the last cookie, and that was the only cookie she had of the entire batch no matter how many she made.
That is impressive behavior towards food.
Gina Brueske
TOPS Secretary and Board Member
By linda D scott April 15, 2022
Great advice.
By katharina kurz April 12, 2022
I do the ELASTIC on the wrist trick I am sure everyone has heard of that .
By Bettie Calhoun April 11, 2022
Love this! Am going to use timer for a TOPS program!
By Vera M Walker June 6, 2022
me too
By Dawn April 11, 2022
This is a really great post and one I needed to hear so Thank You!
By Shirley Renaud April 11, 2022
Ironic that I’m reading this tonight. I fell apart this evening and ate a small dish of candies. Something I really thought that I had controlled. There was no talking myself out of it . The last thing I needed was this being type 2 diabetic. Needless to say, I am very disappointed with myself..so now I not only need to shake it off but regain control.
Thank you Gina for this message. It came at the perfect time.
By May Scocco April 11, 2022
Simple changes that brings real joy.
Rich advice that encourages wellness.
By Pat Jordison April 11, 2022
So true I enjoy the blogs. I might not see them when shown but always look later.
My problem now is it does’t matter what I eat I am always losing weight . I am close to my lowest weight. I really don’t want to lose any more but I have reached the age I seem to be. Happy Easter.
By Lisa G Richardson April 11, 2022
You are so right! I have just about conquered my urge to eat sweets (except dark chocolate). Today, I went downtown and was walking through the Fashion District. I stopped at the bakery and glanced at the pastries and other goodies. I asked about the strawberry shortcake and was going to buy a slice until I looked in my purse and didn’t have enough cash to buy it. As I was looking at my debit card I started asking myself questions. The answer was, “No.” I said to myself; “You have strawberry cheesecake fat and sugar free Greek yogurt at home.” I applauded myself for being mindful and not getting that 300+ calorie slice of cake. I’ve been making more mindful decisions about the foods I put in my mouth. I’m on my way to goal and it feels good. Thanks for this Monday – Moment of Truth!
By Leslie April 11, 2022
Great post! Lots of good advice. The timing is great too with Easter coming up.
By Karen Tinlin April 11, 2022
You are so right! I commend you for mastering this as I am still a work in progress on overcoming this behavior. I will try your timer trick.
By Joy M Easton April 11, 2022
Good advice!