Even after a year and a half, I’m still amazed that much smaller portions are more than enough. In the world of an active compulsive overeater or binge eater, there is never enough food. We want to eateateat, then eat some more. If we aren’t eating, we’re thinking about what we ate or, more often, thinking about what we will eat next. It can get obsessive. Let me tell you, the constant food thoughts are exhausting.
I’ve had a really great two weeks with my food and exercise. For this I was rewarded by good, steady weight loss after the long stall. Today, even though I’d brought my lunch to work, around 11 o’clock I developed a true desire to eat something different than the 0% fat blueberry Greek yogurt. I got a deep craving for a really good cheeseburger. Fortunately, my boss and a friend were also in the mood to walk to the restaurant next door. Bonus, my boss was willing to plate share.
The burgers are big at this restaurant. We know that from long experience. They also add a healthy serving of good fries. In the past, I easily plowed my way through the entire basket of food. These days, even if I could manage to force all of it in my stomach, it wouldn’t stay down long. Honestly, I have no desire to eat that much food any more.
When the basket was served, my boss told me to go ahead and cut in, and then remove whatever portion I wanted. I cut off a third of the cheeseburger patty, leaving behind the bun. Four or five French fries were more than enough. I also claimed the pickle spear and left her the tomato slice.
This meal amounted to the smallest fraction of what I used to eat before, but it was the right portion for me. The three of us had a fun time chatting while we ate. When we were finished, I was absolutely satisfied and didn’t crave one more bite. Less was definitely plenty.
What a great, welcome change. It’s good to remember that I can go out, enjoy delicious food while socializing, and not have to gorge myself in order to be happy.
Weighty Matters 
Smaller portions are not just satisfying, they’re cheaper too!
I’m glad you can still enjoy things you love, just in smaller portions. Then you don’t have to deal with the deprivation mindset of “I can’t have this, I can’t have that”. I think it’s definitely a factor in your success.
I need to develop the “have just a little” mindset with ice cream. I’ve put back on a few of the pounds I lost because there is always ice cream here and I love ice cream. Sigh. 🙂
Also, I meant to tell you that Jenny Crusie blogged about this fabulous speech from Melissa Harris-Perry that gives a great definition of thick. According to Melissa, thin women look good in bikinis but thick women look good in history books. Check out her speech here:
http://io9.com/sound-advice-for-smart-humans-be-ignorant-be-silent-717225791
I’ll have to read that speech. Thanks for the link!
You are an inspiration to me. I am so amazed by your hard work and transformation. Your blog is really helping me plan and prepare for my weight loss journey.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that we really don’t have to give up. I thought I’d reached the point where there was no use in trying again. Thank goodness I tried the surgery. Good luck in your effort. If we can help and support, let us know here!