VOILA, I DID IT! SHARE YOUR SUCCESS
Username
POSTED: Wed, 08/26/2009 - 5:55am
Share your best tips and tricks!
I was a picky eater as a child, so I was always told to clean my plate. Then I became an athlete and my appetite became huge, and later on when I quit competetive sports I had to come up with something to teach myself how to eat reasonable amounts.Then just today I found myself thinking "I simply LOVE this ice cream, but do I actually NEED more?". I then realized, that this is what I've actually been doing for the past few years (since first reading FWDGF), but I had never actually thought about it until now. Anyway, that's my number one trick when I feel like overeating!
This made me wonder what sort of tricks - or mindgames if you will - are you playing with yourself when dealing with food? And do you have tricks like the 50%-solution or "the first three bites" -rules of your own?
Let's list the best tricks here!
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bananie67
POSTED: Mon, 03/28/2011 - 5:41pm
pizza
Something I discovered last night... you cannot sit and savor a piece of pizza- at least I can't. I made homemade pizza last night-the dough and all. It was delicious. I have been sitting at the table, eating all of my meals slowly and with purpose. But there's just something about pizza! I would start off ok, and then slowly pick up the pace with eating- I couldn't keep it slow and controlled! It was too good, and after 31 years of eating pizza like any other American, it felt completely foreign to savor a piece of pizza! I think I need more practice. Haha! Well, this isn't really a tip or trick- I guess my tip is- AVOID PIZZA!Sally Asher
POSTED: Mon, 05/16/2011 - 3:26am
After the Pizza
I know what you mean about wanting to keep eating the yummy pizza. What I found useful is to balance a piece or two of pizza out with a salad on a plate and eat it with intention and attention, savoring every mouthful. Then aim to do something equally as pleasurable after you're done eating, so that you are more easily able to finish eating and move on to a pleasurable activity. It might be a bubble bath, a great movie or giving yourself a facial. For more tips on how to nurture yourself without food, visit my website www.losingitinfrance.com Good luck!meneia
POSTED: Tue, 03/29/2011 - 2:00am
Pizza
Do you eat pizza with cutlery or by hand?Musique
POSTED: Mon, 03/28/2011 - 10:55am
A little trick from the new girl
Hi all. It's my first time on here, though I've been living French with FWDGF and the other related books for several years now.I noticed that one of you mentioned that you don't let yourself eat chocolate, cakes, etc when home alone. This is key for me, as that is when I have the tendency to overeat. However sometimes I need a defense mechanism to prevent me from doing it (it's not always easy to keep from stocking offenders since my husband and I regularly enjoy fine chocolate). So my trick is to drink some tea. Most of the time my body is longing for snacks but it really needs water. 2 cups of tea--any kind-- provides me with satisfaction and the water I need to ward off the snacking.
Viva la Diva
POSTED: Mon, 03/28/2011 - 4:07pm
Tea
Thanks for the tea reminder. I love reading what the newcomers discover. It is a great reminder! Also, by having tea, I force myself to slow down. My fave tea for sweet cravings is Good Earth Sweet and Spicy. I also love anything cinnamon. Keep sharing, thanks! Vivameneia
POSTED: Mon, 03/28/2011 - 2:56pm
Tea
I'm a tea fan too. I tend to find herbal infusions work for me (either fruit based or containing vanilla) because they smell like dessert but aren't actually sweet.Charlotte
POSTED: Mon, 06/21/2010 - 11:32pm
Tips
Well, I'm not sure if this would work for everyone, but here's what I do when it comes to eating everything in moderation: - Use small plates. General rule of thumb: I almost never use a plate larger than the size of my two palms cupped together. I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere... - When cooking dinner- unless you're planning to make extra for lunch the next day of course- always make just enough. That way, the temptation to eat uncessary seconds is removed. - Avoid bulk-buy purchases when it comes to food- buy just enough. E.g try not to buy that big block of chocolate even if it's on sale or cheap, etc. Instead, buy the smaller, single serve size. Pretend you're French! Go for quality and not quantity.Charlotte
POSTED: Wed, 06/23/2010 - 9:35am
Thanks for welcoming me. lol.
Thanks for welcoming me. lol. Everyone here's so friendly =)Tori
POSTED: Tue, 06/22/2010 - 5:56am
Hi Charlotte, and welcome :)
I find I also have to be careful to choose quality over a bargain- but I've got the hang of it now and you're right, it's important :)Username
POSTED: Mon, 01/18/2010 - 9:36am
A good way to slow down
A good way to slow down eating is to think - as you chew mindfully - "How would I describe the taste / texture of this for someone else?". It also makes the 'three first bits' -rule easier to follow, as you really get to focus on the flavours of everything!Meems
POSTED: Mon, 03/08/2010 - 3:09pm
Getting techno!
I've recently acquired an iPhone & this week-end one of my daughters looked at it and added a new application (app); well actually 2 new ones. AllRecipes & Epicurious. They are GREAT! Food, facts, recipes, WOW. I've used them on a computer but my goodness, my phone! Ideas at my fingertips EVERYWHERE! Technology truly amazes me.snorklee
POSTED: Mon, 03/08/2010 - 8:56pm
Technology
I have an Ipod in my desk drawer that I got free with my Mac. I don't know how to use it and am totally ashamed that it sits unopened in the drawer nearly 6 months after I got it. ~sigh~ I kept up with technology for awhile and then it finally outdistanced me.But.... if I can get Epicurious and All rececipes on the thing.... I am so there!
Jeanette
POSTED: Tue, 03/09/2010 - 1:16pm
If it is an iPod Touch, then
If it is an iPod Touch, then you can!!!! If it's a regular iPod, then you can't, but if you check out audible.com you can get audio books that you can download onto the iPod and they do have Mireille's books on there! Plus lots of other cooking style books.snorklee
POSTED: Sun, 04/18/2010 - 8:45am
iPod Touch
Yes it is! Finally took it out of the box. (actually my son did.:) Thanks, Jeanette. I'll check it out.JSB
POSTED: Mon, 03/08/2010 - 6:02pm
Meems
Technology,these days,is mind blowing.Right now I am wrestling with the desire for an iPad,when it hits Canada.Jeanette
POSTED: Tue, 03/09/2010 - 1:17pm
My hubbie desperately wants
My hubbie desperately wants an iPad! He wants me to buy it for work so that it'll be a tax deduction and then he can still play with it. With my birthday coming up in a few weeks, I'm tempted!JSB
POSTED: Sat, 03/13/2010 - 8:41pm
iPad
That's a brainy idea.It looks like it will be business friendly.TannedLady
POSTED: Sun, 04/18/2010 - 3:14am
I just created my own iPhone
I just created my own iPhone app based on philosophies like FWDGF (a book I read and loved whilst on my weight loss journey). It contains some inspirational quotes, some food and exercise motivation and lots of pieces of advice to get you focused on achieving your "healthy new you" goals. Its called "Piece of Cake". Check it out! Clare xjas
POSTED: Tue, 12/22/2009 - 2:23pm
tricks
I noticed that when someone on the list talked about the joy of eating a pomegranete instead of (something...some junk food) and described it as juicy, wonderful, sweet, that I have been noticing myself thinking of good wholesome food as wonderful and a treat...not just the chocolate or chips as a treat. Jasdonnaup
POSTED: Sun, 09/06/2009 - 8:55am
Food as a Joy
I definitely am now turned off from food or candy that has food coloring in it. I love the Mediterranean approach to great quality food. It really matters to me to not eat food that is going to make me feel bad. I've always got some kind of fruit ready - fresh pineapple, watermelon, apples. I am interested in trying the "first three bites" idea, especially with larger meals.St.TropezChic
POSTED: Sun, 09/06/2009 - 1:51pm
Bienvenue, donnaup!
You are definitely in the right place, with all of us fresh food enthusiasts. :^) I look forward to hearing your ideas. LorraineJSB
POSTED: Sun, 09/06/2009 - 11:15am
Hi Donnaup
Is this your first time posting ? If so,glad to see you here and if you've posted before I am still glad you are here.You are 100% right food is a joy.Quality is essential.I am still a work in progress in the French life.The "first 3 bites" is not consistent in my practice yet. Be well.Jean
Username
POSTED: Sat, 08/29/2009 - 3:12am
Great tips! +no guilt
So many great tips and tricks, it's wonderful that you share them with everyone!One "rule" that I use (most of the time) is that I try not to eat cakes / cookies / ice cream / other goodies when being alone -- simply because I've noticed that I en enjoy them much more that way!
So desserts at home are usually very simple, and then, when eating out or having coffee with friends I don't have to be thinking "omg, I have already had so-and-so many cookies this week!". Most of us would probably think like that, however we want to do so or not...
So this is my trick for guilt-free thoughts when enjoying a really rich dessert: have it at the time you know you will be enjoying it the most!
Viva la Diva
POSTED: Tue, 09/01/2009 - 9:56am
Of course
There would be not other way to eat it except with absolute pleasure. Has anyone else found since living 'french' that their standards have changed? I am particular about what I will eat. Quality is key. We also mainly use fruit as the basis of our dessert. Except at chocolate time, but we always share and if not I just take enough for three bites! Love the ideas in this section!Anna
POSTED: Tue, 09/01/2009 - 4:05pm
I've found the same thing
My quality standards are much higher than they used to be, and higher than most of my friends'. Actually, it makes me a little sad when I go to a friend's home for dinner and eat a meal that I can tell was made with sub-par ingredients - I wonder how they eat that way all the time. I also find it very easy to turn away from mediocre chocolates, desserts, and really any processed food now. I think this "food snobbery" is a major key to staying slim (while eating fabulously!).JSB
POSTED: Tue, 09/01/2009 - 5:28pm
Anna
Hi,nice to see you here.missed you.I agree food snobbery is the way to be slim and enjoyEverybody's tips and tricks are really great.It has helped me realize how much I prefer,several small dishes,rather than a huge meal of 2 or 3 items at most.It is visually and actually more satisfying.Thanks al of you for your ideas.Jean
frenchy
POSTED: Tue, 09/01/2009 - 8:31pm
Sara Lee
has the most amazing little cheesecake bites in the freezer section. Now here's the catch. Treat yourself with just one...I know...I hear you out there. They are the perfect size though to satisfy the sweet tooth and one, with as small as they are will suffice.Viva la Diva
POSTED: Tue, 09/01/2009 - 9:00pm
Food snobbery!
Funny! Last night we had an early Oktoberfest menu. It was perfect with the early autumn chill in the air. To top it off, I sauteed apples, raisins, walnuts, and spices with some honey and brown sugar served warm on top of vanilla bean haagen daz! I had the tiniest amount, but it was so flavor intense and perfect. Less is SO much more!Username
POSTED: Thu, 09/03/2009 - 3:17am
I confess
I feel like a food snob too, but then again, I would just rather think of myself as 'one who respects her body enough to not put any junk in it'! I mean, if you didn't buy the ugliest pants on earth you wouldn't be called a pant-snob but perhaps just a fashionable person who cares about her appearance, right? ;-) So with the same logic, we're all just a bunch of people who rather choose not to eat food that tastes like cardboard and only makes you ill!But anyway, food snobbery is probably on of the major keys to prevent overeating. Quality over quantity.
Anna
POSTED: Fri, 09/04/2009 - 10:32am
Very true!
The way you put it sounds much better than "food snob."