Does anyone else struggle with this? If I don’t struggle with anything else I definitely struggle with this. I don’t know why even after 5 weeks I have trouble reprogramming my mind to eat slower. I never paid attention to how fast I consume food until after surgery. I mean obviously I never had a reason to before now lol. All suggestions are welcome ?

It is also my biggest on-going problem. I had more episodes than I care to admit of eating too quickly/not chewing thoroughly enough/eating too much. The result was excruciating pain, foamies and sometimes vomiting. I am almost one year out, and I still need to focus on eating when I eat. If I am distracted, I end up eating too fast and well....you know how it goes.

However, it has gotten better. I serve myself only the portion that I should be eating. I use a small plate/bowl. I use children's utensils at home (it's a cute use for my old baby spoons that my mother kept all these years!). I set my utensil down between some bites. I pay closer attention to body signals and stop at the first sign of a runny nose or the first stomach gurgle. I spit out anything that isn't chewed up (fruit membrane, tough or dry bite of meat). I am able to drink up until eating but wait at least a half hour afterwards before drinking again.

I have trouble sometimes too. But even if I maybe eat too fast I really try to immediately stop at the first hint of fullness. Otherwise, we all know what happens. I find it also helps if before I start eating something I say to myself "I'm only goint to eat half of this and wrap up the rest." somehow that helps me slow down a bit.

Have you tried using the timer on the Baritastic App? You can use it for times to drink, for length of time to eat a meal, and duration of chewing. (Those are not the titles for each timer, but you can use them that way.)

Edited December 7, 20214 yr by Sunnyway

I knew nothing about this ! Wow. Thanks

I still eat from a side plate but have graduated to dessert forks now. ? I try to distract myself between bites: read, watch tv, play a game on a device, check social media, etc. I even fold my laundry between bites. I know on the surface that seems to defeat the mindful eating recommendations but for me it takes my mind off eating & just shovelling the food in. Bout then when I go to have the next bite I think about why I’m having it. I’ve said this a lot but ask yourself do I need this bite or just want it? If it’s ‘want’ put the fork/spoon down. You don’t ‘have’ to eat that bite. You may eat it in another couple of minutes or you may have had enough to eat. I also check the time I have my first bite & randomly check as I eat to make sure I’m not eating too fast. It takes time for new habits to become established & just your everyday. You’ll get there.

The best thing I’ve done is pretend I’m out to lunch with an old friend and stop to “listen” to conversation. It’s help a lot to slow me down.

9 hours ago, Starwarsandcupcakes said:

The best thing I’ve done is pretend I’m out to lunch with an old friend and stop to “listen” to conversation. It’s help a lot to slow me down.

Yes! Such good advice! I try and really be present with my family when we eat meals together, and to really enjoy the food when I'm eating alone. I put my utensil down, chew well, appreciate the sights & sounds around me. Its not easy and it takes constant intention, but its slowly becoming a habit.

I'd say this is definitely my top struggle as well. I am trying to focus more on putting my fork down, chewing very thoroughly and counting to 30 before I eat another bite. I can definitely tell afterwards when I am unsuccessful! I just keep reminding myself I am continuing to learn how to eat and as long as I keep striving for improvement I am on the right path.

Try chopsticks. If you don’t know how to use them it will definitely slow you down.