How Big Is TOO BIG?

          Here we are again, thigh-deep in a frenzy of shaping up after the holidays.  Are you finding it challenging?  If so, here’s a simple little tip that may come in handy the next time you’re eating out: NEVER EAT ANYTHING BIGGER THAN YOUR HEAD.  Honestly, have you noticed the portion sizes at some of our local restaurants?  Chances are, if you ordered from anything but the kiddies’ menu, you will have placed before you enough to keep you going for a week -- and going strongly.  Whose idea was this?  What are we to do? 

     Here’s an idea: Don’t eat all of it.  But wouldn’t that be wasteful?  Heavens no; you’ll actually be saving money because you can eat those leftovers for several more meals.  In fact, if you already know what to expect at a certain restaurant, simply ask your server to package up half your plate before it’s brought to you. Then -- and here’s the hard part -- stop eating when you start to feel full.  It’s not easy, I know, especially if you’re out with friends, chatting merrily away, and everyone else is ordering cheesecake.  Why, it can be downright painful to stop eating when others continue munching on.  But look at it this way: If you’ll learn to pay attention to your body and recognize when you’ve had enough, you can eat pretty much anything you want.  Just eat less of it.  (Naturally, individuals with cardiovascular disease or diabetes may need to be more stringent.)

       I’m all about portion control these days because I am dreadful at giving up entire food groups.  Don’t tell me I can’t have that mountain of macaroni and cheese -- I may harm you.  But if I can have just a couple of bites of that macaroni and cheese, I’ll savor every morsel, we’ll all get out of here safely, and I, for one, won’t be seeing evidence of it around my middle by the time we I home.

      So if you’re struggling to control your intake of calories or fats or carbohydrates, consider this new approach.   Now ALL foods are available to you.  You may have a small portion or just a couple of bites of anything you wish, and the first few bites are the best anyway, right?  And, oh yes, even if it’s just a King Kong salad -- NEVER EAT ANYTHING BIGGER THAN YOUR HEAD!