If you haven’t read the last posts on this topic, make sure you go back and review them before checking this one out…Step 3 – Eat Consciously and Enjoy Every Mouthful
Paul McKenna states that we eat like it’s going out of style. We shovel food into our mouths, hardly chew it, and don’t stop until our stomachs are completely stuffed full. He states that we don’t even stop to taste the food we’re eating, but rather are getting “high” off the chemicals our brain releases in response to the rapid consumption of the food itself. As well, because of these ‘happy chemicals’, we never hear the signal from our brain to tell us that we’re full because we’re in a state blissful oblivion (which is why so many people use food to boost their mood).
Mr. McKenna recommends that we put our fork and knife DOWN after each bite, savor the taste of the food, and chew each bite thoroughly (20 or more times).
Rylan’s Verdict – Great!
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. McKenna on this one, and this is something I was always guilty of.
Many of us are simply too rushed to even be present in the moment when we are eating. I used to rush from appointment to appointment, and I never had any time to eat. I would pack my day’s worth of meals with me in my car, and when I was speeding from one session to the next I would be munching on something, as I drove, not the best for road safety or my personal sanity.
I have since changed my habits and I book my appointments further apart to allow myself an extra 15-20 minutes to pull over somewhere, sit in a park, and enjoy my meal.
I not only found my stress reducing, but I also would enjoy my food much more, and allow for much better digestion because I would actually chew my food and not simply gulp it down as fast as possible.
I would recommend that you start implementing this habit into your life immediately. It has been one of the most positive changes in my daily routine that I have experienced in some time, and I know it will be for you as well.
RD
Belated post regarding Paul McKenna's show
ReplyDeleteBelated because I have been too busy eating what I want when I am hungry, chewing lots and getting in that extra 15 minutes of walking!
Really though. I watched most of the series.
I did not see any slim clients or fit looking clients on the show although I do admit my tv screen is on the wide setting - even Nicole Ritchie and the Olson twins have hips.
Eat what I want when I am hungry??? I have been an emotional eater since birth - child rearing 101 trouble shooting for a screaming baby in the late 40s was shove a bottle in its mouth - I was a very vocal and plump baby and later I don't think I ever figured out if I was hungry or not - yep my obesity was my mother's fault but I digress.
Walk an extra 15 minutes per day - hmm at my prior obesity level - I would have downsized by the time I died - especially of course eating what I wanted when I wanted - although I am sure I would burn an extra 50 calories from all the chewing.
Come on that would only work if you already exercise or were at a significant activity level but then you wouldn't be overweight and need his program.
Ok the tapping thing - I have seen some psychologists use that method - maybe I am a resistant personality type but I find that to be hocus pocus - no one has been able to hypnotize me either. So maybe that is just me.
Probably the only suggestion of worth was putting the fork down and eating consciously - years of emergency nursing had me scarfing my food down for a fast break.
Overall he turned obesity, a world-wide complex biological, physical, emotional disease into a over simplified entertainment show. If it were that simple there would be millions worshiping at the temple of Paul McKenna.
Hundreds of fitness experts, athletes, physicians, biophysiologists, psychologists, surgeons and other specialists are constantly doing research to find some magic gene or magic solution but last I heard it still requires effort to become healthy and fit and to lose weight.
I have accomplished it with extremely hard work, a total lifestyle overhaul in my attitude and choices of activity and nutrition a lot of reading and research and of course with significant guidance from a kinesiologist and personal trainer.
Just had the best physical check up ever!
Thanks Ry
Christine RN