By Justine Mattiussi
AmesEats Flavors writer
Have you ever opened a bag of potato chips or popped popcorn and before you know it, the bag is completely empty and you’re left wondering where did it all go? No, the chips didn’t just disappear, actually you were mindlessly devouring them.
Here’s where the problem lies: You just roughly consumed 1,200 calories and 85 grams of fat of little nutritive value. If instead you had divulged in drinking the Oh Fudge! shake from Cold Stone Creamery, it was 1,920 calories – almost an entire day’s calories in a 24 oz. cup. Thanks to gastric emptying, 30 minutes after demolishing these tasty treats you’re hungry again.
I’m no mathematician, but excess calories equals weight gain. I propose a different mindset for eating. Instead of shoveling in your food or the classic eating over the garbage can approach, try enjoying what you eat.
According to Dr. Wasink, director of Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab, people tend to eat more than 20 percent more food depending on how many other people are eating at the table. Hopefully, you’re not the table with the hot dog eating champion. Most people would be shocked to know that 70 to 75 percent of what we perceive as taste actually comes from our sense of smell. So if you ever wondered why when you’re sick why food has no taste, that’s the reason. The idea is simple, but the execution may be a bit harder. I know that at times you can be drawn to the blue frozen icee at Quik Trip, but after drinking it you still feel hungry and unsatisfied. As a fellow student we can all be drawn to swirling blue goo at quick trip, but after drinking it you’re still hungry and unsatisfied. Try these tips, see what you think, and maybe you’ll become a mindful eater.
- At the start of a meal immediately put half of the food away as leftovers. This tricks your mind into thinking you’ve eaten more than you have.
- Invest in smaller bowls and cups instead of the “bladder buster” 64 oz. variety at convenient stores. The food on the plate will appear plentiful on smaller dishware.
- Eat only until satisfied. This doesn’t mean until stuffed just before you feel like you’ve had too much. Remember eating is not a race enjoy each bit without any distractions meaning cell phones, television, Facebook or studying for classes. You’ll be amazed how much less you’ll eat and how much more enjoyable your experience.
- Set the mood, light a candle place food on plates not out of a wrapper and delight in the sensory qualities of taste and smell.
- Have a bottle of water on hand at all times it keeps you full and cleanse the pallet.
- Avoid temptations. Know your weaknesses if you eat bags of chips in one sitting then at the grocery store don’t go down that aisle first and portion out an appropriate sized snack.
