3/20 Something to think about

[Billie]

"We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are."

*Anais Nin

We can view life either with rose colored or dark sunglasses can't we? We can "filter" information in so many ways so it fits what we want to think or believe or it doesn't. Us humans are just weird!:confused:

But this is also true about portions :o we were talking over the weekend about the amount of food or a portion of food. My eyes can really deceive me...or is it the way I want to see things. I have done much better with portions in the last several years, I now take a good look at what I am eating and how much of it, but gosh those eyes can deceive.

We haven't talked for a long time about weighing or measuring food, and if anyone has that need out there to do more of that, we certainly can bring some information or threads about it. We have a full spectrum of people, some just starting and others around for awhile, so it really is trying to determine what everyone's needs are. So let us know.

In the meantime lets try to keep our eyes focused on marching each day with a clear guide to portions.

[gitfiddle]

I find it very easy to get off track. When I'm trying to figure out where the extra carbs are coming from, my best bet is to start measuring again. I hate to measure!;)

[hawk]

I don't like measuring either, but I found out that 27 gms of protien that I need for each meal is about the size of a pack of cards or the size of my fist or hand. That opened my eyes and cut down my portions and got me off a stall. I need that much 6 times a day to keep away the hypoglycemia.
Sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I never get a full feeling when I eat except if I ever eat pasta or wheat and then I get very uncomfortably bloated( good thing,,keeps me from doing it).
So a visual portion size is good for me. When we go out to eat, and the plate they bring is very large with large portions, I have learned to ask for a take home box immediately and I take away the portion I should not eat and save it for the next meal. If it is just a dinner salad, I eat it, but the meat dishes I divide. I ask for the rolls and crackers to not be delivered . My husband won't eat them either,so I don't have them in front of me..

[Billie]

Gosh Lynn think back, we have learned alot about what our bodies can tolerate and what we need. Sometimes we forget all the learning that had to take place for us to get to where we are, the rolls being divided, the eyeballing of food, whatever the case maybe. It doesn't come overnight, but it comes!

Good on you!

[Always]

Hi gang: For me, the only way to accurately count carbs or protein or fiber is to measure or weigh. There is no ifs ands or buts. I can justify that one more Sami's chip won't take me over an ounce...no way...I'm still under.:rolleyes: In pouring cream in the blender for my morning shake...it's a tablespoon...it is, I know it. I can go through almonds faster than a speeding bullet and still convince myself that it wasn't toooooo far over an ounce.:eek:

I've discovered that I'm not estimating measurement correctly which has resulted in high carb counts which has resulted in weight gain. Here's an article I wrote in my last newsletter that you might find helpful. http://www.lowcarbcentral.biz/JournalingFoods.pdf

Now I use a scale and a tablespoon and measuring cups which takes time, but if you're going to do something, you should take the time to do it right...RIGHT????

See ya!

[Gaelen]

One painless way of 'measuring' portion sizes, which I adapted from bringing my lunches and dinners to work...
I have containers that are 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup sizes, and that's what I pack most foods in. So if I've made something that has a 1/2 cup serving size, and I'm taking a portion to work, it goes in a half-cup container. Can I jam pack them? Well...not really, or they don't seal. Saves me the measuring step at the time when I'm most rushed and least coordinated, in the early morning when I'm packing lunch. ;)

[gitfiddle]

That's a good thought! Thanks, Pat.

[gitfiddle]

For me, the only way to accurately count carbs or protein or fiber is to measure or weigh. There is no ifs ands or buts.
When I was in OA, that was the rule, too. I hated it, but it makes the difference. Glugs and handfulls add up quickly. I also hate washing up measuring cups and spoons. I also hate that my body is taking in too many carbs! :p Maybe if I leave the cups in the sink, DH will do them!:D

[BethB]

One tool I've kept from my WW days is the measuring spoons - I have a 1/2 c one and a 1 c one. They are good serving spoons anyway and help keep portions in check. Now if I'd just use them...:rolleyes: