Basic Pursuits

In a thoughtful post on the Huffington Post, Irene Rubaum-Keller offers some thoughtful insights into our "fullness meter." That is the internal measuring device that lets us know when we've had enough to eat and signals us to quit eating.

Rubaum-Keller says that for many people their fullness meter is way on the fritz, and because of that, they eat too much. If everyone's meter were functioning properly, obesity would not be an issue. Her solution is food logging:

Keeping food records and counting calories will also keep you awake to
what you are putting in your mouth and how much. Many of us are asleep
at the wheel when it comes to what and how much we are eating. If you
want to change your weight, you have to pay attention.

Food logging is a practice dear to my heart. As long as you are doing it, avail yourself of a number of free software opportunities and get the big picture of what you are eating: fat, protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals.

Another suggestion to repair the old "full meter" is to eat more slowly. On average it takes 20 minutes for the full meter to register. Many people can down a couple of big macs, fries and a shake in far less time than 20 minutes.

How Do You Know When To Stop Eating?