Weight Loss Roadblock For Many is Just "Too Much" of a Good Thing

What is he talking about "too much" of a good thing is bad for you?

Since my weight loss journey formally began almost two months ago, I've talked to many people who tell me they don't eat junk food or desserts and they still gain weight. I believe that's true for many overweight people who have had the pounds just slowly add on over time.

I was reading a blog today by Isabel De Los Rios (appropriate on Cinco de Mayo) who has certainly clarified the meaning of "too much" and what detrimental effects over time it poses. She talks about Portion Distortion as the culprit for weight gain even if you're eating the right foods.

She was recently at a nephew's Christening where the food was catered. As it was being brought to the table her first reaction was that it must be a family style meal, but to her stunned surprise each platter was for an individual. About 75% of the people attending ate the whole thing. Not because they were necessarily hungry, but because the food was right under their nose.

We all see at most restaurants food portions sizes that are obscene. The good news is that many people do box up part of their meal and take it home with them. The bad news is that many don't. They just clean their plate and wonder why the scale numbers keep getting higher.

So here are some of her tips:

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. This sounds so juvenile, but aside from not choking, you actually prepare the food to be better digested and you actually get to taste it.

Select the correct portion size (the palm of your hand for meat, your fist for carbs, your thumb for fats). In a restaurant separate the right portions of your meal and eat only that. Take the rest home for another meal.

Put food on your plate in the kitchen at home. Don't have a platter or bowl of food on the table - it's too easy to take just a little bit more.

Finally, unless you'r dieing tomorrow, there's more food available to you. Your last supper is the only good excuse for overeating in America.

So even if you do eat normally healthy foods, don't let portion size be the culprit that puts a roadblock between you and your weight goals.

One little aside. You may want to check out my Phase II Plan to reach my weight loss goal by Memorial Day. I started on Saturday, and even though I was cautioned not to weigh in until next Saturday, I did hop on the scale this morning and am at my lowest weight in about 7 years!!

Please vist sites mentioned and give me your comments.