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Post by Luv2Cook2004 on Jan 11, 2005 7:40:53 GMT -5
Thanks Susie, this board is just what I need at this time. I have realized for years that my weight problem and diets were mental thingys. No matter how much I wanted to "go on a diet", something had to click in my mind before I could and I could not make it click on command or wishful thinking. I have yo yo'd for years and that is terrible for my health. Hopefully with you and this board, I can make the change in my lifestyle that I need. I am 69 years old, so I don't have as long as most of you to make this change Now to go to the freezer and get a raisen out of one of my frozen fruitcake cookies--- ---just kidding of course!!!
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Post by Lesley1 on Jan 11, 2005 11:27:13 GMT -5
OMG, this exercise was difficult. My first issue was taking only one raisin. I wanted to take at least two, so that I could eat one on my way to the table. I am not joking. I did take just one, though. It was difficult to take so much time and I found myself feeling impatient that the raisin wasn't speaking to me as I looked at it and touched it. When I placed it in my mouth, I didn't get much of a taste at all, and I finished it in three bites. I spent more time than usual, but not 10 minutes, I don't think. And because it didn't taste like much, I ate a few more all at once to "make sure" there was nothing wrong with the raisins themselves. I then contemplated trying it one more time with an apricot.
I had at least one insight from this exercise---that it is hard to find a quiet, calm place in my house where eating can occur in a pleasurable and relaxed way. And it was interesting to note that I couldn't taste the raisin very strongly until I had eaten several.
I know I am capable of eating mindfully. When my husband and I visited France, we discussed how it all looked, smelled, tasted, and we made the meals last as long as possible. I guess my next step should be to treat meals at home in the same way.
Your description of what happens when we eat without paying attention was right on. Thank you so much.
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Post by beccahmommy2twins on Jan 11, 2005 11:40:30 GMT -5
This is such unbelievably valuable information, and lacking from every weight loss plan out there, even WW to a large degree.
There is a great, small paperback book called "The Tao of Eating". Very similar to this philosophy, and a great reminder to eat mindfully.
It is true, the short time in my life where I lived by the 3 rules: be hungry when you eat, eat slowly and mindfully, stop when you're satisfied - I lost weight without even realizing it or trying. No scales, no measuring, no points. The reason is that our bodies all have a natural, healthy set-point. Our bodies will seek that set-point if given the opportunity.
I am so glad to find other people interested in and willing to look at this difficult but essential part of permanent weight loss.
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Post by xenagoddess on Jan 12, 2005 20:27:59 GMT -5
I did a version of this the other day with jelly beans. I bought about 30 jelly bellies with 3 different flavors all mixed together in the bag. I tried to eat each bean and, instead of just inhaling it, I would not look at the color and try and guess the flavor by taste. It worked for the first 10 (then unfortunately I inhalled the last 20). I will try the raisin trick. Thanks for the post. It's brillant.
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Post by Daisy on Jan 13, 2005 21:42:31 GMT -5
This would be a great exercise for me. Since our first child arrived last year, I eat dinner slouched in a chair in front of the TV. I just feel the need to zone out. It's a tough habit to break, but I do attribute my overeating largely to this habit.
DH suggested a nice long shower after I get the baby to bed as a way to unwind before sitting down at the table (together, even!) and eating dinner.
I will definitely try this exercise.
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Post by cammagirl on Jan 14, 2005 20:01:21 GMT -5
thanks. I know all this, but have been mindlessly eating for years. Now that I am on core and exercising regularly, I am eating healthy and losing, albeit very slowly, in part because I am eating so fast when I get home from work, I am too full before I realize it. Just slowing down should help a lot.
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Post by jt&me109 on Jan 14, 2005 20:36:39 GMT -5
Thanks Suzie. This is one of my downfalls. I love to read while I eat. The combination results in a total zone-out. I think I have a problem just being alone with my thoughts. I get too bored! But I'm going to try eating mindfully. I think its important to getting my overeating under control.
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Post by xenagoddess on Jan 15, 2005 14:24:04 GMT -5
Okay I did it. The exercise is a good reminder of a few things for me. 1) Raisins don't taste like much until you bite into them (at least not mine) . 2) That flavor is something that takes place all over your mouth. It was interesting to see where I tasted the raisin on my tongue and where I didn't. What a thing to notice! On to taking a deep breath before my lunch...I'm trying to catch up with you all.
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Post by smilyus on Jan 16, 2005 21:13:28 GMT -5
That was a great exercise! Even after goal, its great to know I still have things to learn about mindful eating.
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Post by kealster on Jan 29, 2005 9:27:56 GMT -5
Wow, was this helpful. I am going to get a raisin right now and try it. I will sudenly be eating and think oh my gosh, where is my comfort zone, have I hit, am I there yet. Instead, I'm going to take this step first and see if it helps. THANK YOU>
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 29, 2005 10:07:02 GMT -5
You're welcome...let me know how it worked for you if you get a chance.
Susie
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Post by freckles1204 on Jan 30, 2005 14:20:23 GMT -5
I only recently joined this website and have just now found this thread. I plan to park here for awhile. This thread must be a gift from God. I think I was born a mindless and a very speedy eater. My mom said that even as a newborn I gulped each and every bottle in a hurry. Forty-eight years later she still critizes my fast eating. I am usually the first one with a clean plate no matter who else is at the table.I can eat tremendous amounts of food, usually because I eat so fast. My children are also fast eaters. I am hoping to work on this together as a family. I want us to become a family of mindful eaters.
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Post by lizmarie on Feb 20, 2005 13:20:23 GMT -5
I have to say that I am with Lesley – I took one raisin, but wanted to take a handful, just in case!!!! It is amazing how much flavor is in ONE little raisin!!!!
So happy to have found this thread and this board!!!!
lizmarie
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auntbee
Corebie
7/05 = 150 -27 with 21 to go! 2/06 I have gained back 6# but am back OP as of today!
Posts: 49
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Post by auntbee on Feb 20, 2005 21:39:16 GMT -5
I just read this thread (where have I been?). Wow--I am blown away by such a *simple* exercise. I tried the experiment with a Craisin. The smell is so wonderful and it sets your mouth up for the taste to come. The taste is there even before biting into it. Very fruity and sweet/tart. The flavor lasts a long time. Biting into it released a stronger taste and it was hard not to chew it up immediately. This is something I need to work on. I eat supper alone and always in the company of the TV. I usually have light rock on the radio while I cook. I am working on remembering to take a calming breath before starting my meal in preparation for really tasting it. I usually start out pretty good, but do find myself "falling asleep" as you put it. Thanks for this wonderful suggestion! You bring much to this board and we all reap the reward Aunt Bee
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Post by crystalvessels on Mar 20, 2005 15:03:50 GMT -5
I just found Kippy's Hard Core-ner today after being on the WPA for a while. This particular board has already been an awakening for me. OK, so I didn't have a raisin, but I do have some edamame.
I sat it front of me, did you know that edamame has little tiny hairs all over it? And it is wrinkly on the outside, like a little old man.
Picked it up - it was cool, I thawed them in the fridge, and then took a deep inhale. It was so fresh, so clean, it reminded me of clean spa room, it smelled "healthy".
I slid the pod into my mouth and sucked out the first bean...smooth as silk, cooler than I expected, and so light on my tongue. I can't believe I have not ever paid attention to how smooth these things are, and then I crunched down - it seemed to split in half - one half salty, one half sweet. Another crunch - juicy almost, 3rd 4th 5th crunches and then I swallowed. I opened my eyes and realized that I had allowed myself to be totally consummed my a little soy pod and enjoyed every minute of it. Not only do I have a new found appreciation for edamame, but it made me relax.
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