Importance of Avoiding Mindless Eating

After weight loss surgery,  learning a new way of eating may be one of the biggest adjustments you have to make.  Not only does your surgery limit the amount of food you can consume, it will also impose some restrictions in the type of food you can eat.

Following a few simple tips to help you relearn eating behaviors will go a long way toward preventing problems associated with overeating or eating to fast that may cause you unpleasant side effects.

New eating behaviors

Take your time. To begin with, having at least 30 minutes to eat will give you the time you need to chew slowly and thoroughly and attune yourself to new sensations that signal fullness.

Be relaxed. The days of eating on the run or as you perform another task are over – at least for the time being. Give yourself time to focus on your food not work or television

Cut your food. Pretend you are giving food to an infant. Cut everything up small, about the size of a dime.

Count to 30 (or more). Chewing your food stimulates saliva, prepares your digestive system and gives you time to respond to fullness cues. It will also aid your digestion so be slow and methodical as you chew.

Chew your liquids. If you are eating semi liquid food like yoghurt, try chewing it to slow down.

You need at least 20 minutes from the time you start eating until your stomach can accurately signal it is full. Chewing slowly and methodically is an easy method to ensure you get the time you need to avoid uncomfortable side effects of fast eating or overeating after bariatric surgery.