Can't Stop Eating Too Fast!

[NeonRaven8919 325]

I just can't stop eating too fast! Everyone suggests waiting 1 minute between bites, but I just can't seem to do that. So many years of only having 20 minutes on my lunch taught me to eat fast and I can't break that habit. I'm just always miserable after I eat because I'm so full!

Any other tips?

[Bypass2Freedom 648]

Heya!

I initially struggled a lot with this, but I found that setting a 1-minute timer on my FitBit really helped. I haven't budged from it at all since then!

[BigSue 1,358]

I struggled with this initially, so I used a timer while eating. After taking a bite, I would set a timer to chew for 30 seconds, followed by a timer to wait 60 seconds before the next bite. Get in the habit of putting down your fork between bites. At this point, I have gotten so used to eating slowly that I haven't needed a timer in years.

This might be a little controversial because some people believe it's important to eat mindfully without distractions, but I would go crazy if I had nothing to do between bites. I usually do something else while eating, either working on something for my job or scrolling Facebook or something. I eat lunch at my desk and take bites 3 minutes apart (doing work in between bites). It typically takes me 30-45 minutes to finish my lunch.

[NeonRaven8919 325]

56 minutes ago, BigSue said:

I struggled with this initially, so I used a timer while eating. After taking a bite, I would set a timer to chew for 30 seconds, followed by a timer to wait 60 seconds before the next bite. Get in the habit of putting down your fork between bites. At this point, I have gotten so used to eating slowly that I haven't needed a timer in years.

This might be a little controversial because some people believe it's important to eat mindfully without distractions, but I would go crazy if I had nothing to do between bites. I usually do something else while eating, either working on something for my job or scrolling Facebook or something. I eat lunch at my desk and take bites 3 minutes apart (doing work in between bites). It typically takes me 30-45 minutes to finish my lunch.

I also couldn't eat without something to do. I think a timer is the best option. I've had one meeting with a psychologist after my surgery who told us about mindful eating and taking the time to appreciate the food and eat it slowly and really enjoy it, but purees and soft stage foods aren't much to wrote home about so I struggle with that part

[ms.sss 15,492]

well, i sort of had the opposite issue, as i wouldn't eat enough & and needed a reminder to eat.... but my M.O. would work for you as well i think:

i would set a timer on my watch for a certain amount of time (i.e., 2-3 min earlier on, and like 1-2 min as i got further along).

i'd take 1-2 BITES of whatever i had prepared for myself, put my fork down, and set the timer, it goes off, i take 1-2 BITES again. rinse and repeat. yes, it took me FOREVER to eat a meal, in the early months: like 60-90 mins omg.

after a while (like 3-4 months) i was able to do it without the timer.

in your case, if you feel you are eating more and/or faster than you should, i would suggest focusing on putting your fork down, and maybe, if it helps, maybe even physically remove yourself (i.e., walk away) until your timer goes off again. after a few weeks/months, you will form a habit and not need the timer anymore, it will become muscle memory. it may take weeks/months, but if you stick to it, you could totally do it.

❤️