Hands up if you’ve ever experienced the “this tastes so good but I am so full” feeling and yet proceeded to wipe your plate clean? With both my hands in the air, I’m guessing I’m not alone on this. Especially at restaurants, I would almost always eat my entire order, massive or not. I’m guessing this mindset developed due to a combination of things. Firstly, counting points on WeightWatchers instilled in me the notion that ‘if I’m pointing it, I may as well eat it’. And secondly, whose parent hasn’t nagged them to finish what’s on their plate because ‘there are only a couple of bites left’?
Over the last year or so, I have tried to become more mindful about how much I’m eating. I hate that bloated feeling which confirms that I’ve eaten beyond my stomach’s capacity. While it’s not always easy, I try to listen to my hunger signals and put my fork down once I’m satisfied…even if that sometimes means leaving food on my plate. Yes, I’m aware of starving kids around the world and agree it’s a shame, but let’s be honest: whether I finish the meal or not, it will go to waste: either in the garbage or into the loo (sorry to be crude).
Along with waste, the fear of future hunger is often another reason why we overeat. When I’m at work, my lunch tends to have 3-4 components. Because of the gap between lunch and ‘home-time’, I’d always eat the 4th component despite already being comfortably full. I made it a point today to listen to my gut (literally!) and leave the grapefruit for later. Again, I’m going to say it how it is: if hunger does come knocking, you can always have a snack later. If you don’t have a ‘lil somethin somethin’ in your handbag, there must be at least one vending machine, petrol station, supermarket or newsagent within close proximity. That being said, a little hunger never killed anyone. After all, they say that hunger makes the best sauce.
**Please note that I am not equating’ indulging’ and ‘overeating’. ‘Indulging’ is a pleasurable activity whereas ‘overeating’ results in discomfort.