Eat Slower, Gain Less

This article is from the Sac State Employee Assistance Program Faculty and Staff Living Newsletter, December 2009 by Douglas R. Adams, LCSW, EAP Clinician and Cathy Connors, Psy.D. EAP Clinician. I thought this article might help us keep from overindulging during the Christmas holiday.

"It tastes so good, I can’t wait to have seconds—zoom! There’s evidence that very fast eaters who eat until they are full are three times more likely to gain weight than others who don’t eat fast. During the holiday season, try enjoying what you’re eating, but take your sweet time doing it. You just may eat less. The idea is not new. “Gentle eating” seminars are a key component to many eating disorder programs, and what they teach may be a strategy that could work for you. Pause a few seconds between bites. Engage in some conversation during the meal. Don’t adapt an attitude of denial. You can still have those seconds, you will just take a few minutes after finishing the firsts to savor the experience before getting more. Allow yourself to enjoy the company around you prior to refilling your plate. By allowing your body and brain some time
to communicate, you can reduce overeating and enter the new year in a healthier state."