You can learn a lot about someone's health by watching her eat. The next time you dine in a restaurant (or at your own dinner table) ask someone to watch you eat. Then ask them to explain what they observed.
After observing myself and my clients, I've identified three different kind of Eaters:
1. The 'Inhaler': this person eats a four-course meal in under 10 minutes. Once she's done, she has a hard time remembering what the food tasted like.
Have you ever driven to work, and realized that you didn't pay attention to a single second of your commute? That's what meals are like for Inhalers. They shove food in their mouths so quickly that they hardly even notice the taste or texture of the food.
You know you're an Inhaler by these tell-tale signs:
- You crave food constantly. Even after finishing a meal, you aren't satisfied.
- You eat frequently throughout the day. You are always on the lookout for food.
- You feel bloated and heavy after most meals.
- You have no problem cleaning your plate (if licking your plate was sociably acceptable, you'd probably try it out!).
- You finish anything that is put in front of you (even if you don't love it, and even if you're not hungry).
- You swallow your final bite when everyone else is still on their appetizer course.
- You weigh more than you'd like, and you often experience indigestion.
2. The 'Multi-Tasker': this person has mastered the art of eating on the go. She likes to eat, but she's simply too busy to sit down and focus on the meal. Somehow she has figured out how to eat while typing, talking on the phone, driving to work, getting dressed, and changing a diaper.
You know you're a Multi-Tasker if these things sound familiar:
- You can't answer questions during work meetings because your mouth is full of food.
- You eat straight out of a pot on the stove or a leftover container in the fridge (because that means you won't even have to wash a dish after the meal!).
- Your plates can usually be found strewn about the house - on the dresser, the coffee table, or your desk.
- You often eat standing up at the kitchen counter.
- Your napkins and placemats never need washing.
- You rarely sit at the table to eat (if you do, you've got a magazine or book on hand to keep you busy).
- You may experience indigestion and you have more abdominal fat than you'd like.
- You sometimes forget to eat because you're so busy.
3. The 'Picker': this is the person who snacks constantly throughout the day. She doesn't eat big meals - instead, she eats lots of little meals. She is notorious for picking off her friends' plates at restaurants (that way, she can sample dessert without ordering it, and feeling the inevitable guilt). Sometimes, she is so tired and hungry when she gets home from work that she just picks her way through her pantry. Halfway through the evening, she notices she's not hungry for dinner anymore!
You'll know you're a Picker if you notice the following trends:
- You have convinced yourself that the foods on your kids' plates don't have any calories in them if you eat them.
- You can't list what you've eaten throughout the day, because you haven't actually eaten a regular meal.
- Most of your meals are 'cold' - you don't have warm meals often.
- Your dinner often consists of microwave popcorn, a few crackers, and a spoonful of peanut butter.
- You eat constantly (sometimes you're hungry, and sometimes you're not).
Do you recognize yourself in any of those Eater Profiles?
I see myself in all three of them. I was an Inhaler growing up as a girl. I turned into a Picker when I worked in a corporate consulting job, and I morphed into a Multi-Tasker when I started my own business.
These days, I'm trying to turn myself into a fourth kind of eater, which I call the 'Conscious Eater.' This is no easy feat. It's like trying to reprogram years and years of subconscious eating habits.
You'll recognize a Conscious Eater because she:
- Eats at least one meal each day at the table with just herself and the food (no books, TV, or work).
- Creates a pleasant eating environment.
- Gives thanks for the food before she begins eating.
- Eats slowly, chewing her food until it's completely broken down (at least 30 chews per bite).
- TASTES and EXPERIENCES each bite.
- Only eats food that really appeals to her and leaves the rest for another time.
- Is still sitting at the table enjoying dinner after her whole family has left.
- Usually leaves food on her plate.
- Experiences little gas or indigestion.
- Can easily identify her cravings and true hunger level.
- Is close to or at her ideal body weight.
How does that sound? Appealing? Totally unrealistic? Notice your reaction to the list above. Are you already practicing Conscious Eating... or is it a pie-in-the-sky kind of dream for you at this point? Wherever you're at, it's OK.
I'd like to encourage you to redefine your relationship with eating by becoming more of a Conscious Eater.
Here are some experiments that will help you do just that:
- One night, eat on the floor, picnic-style.
- Create a pleasant eating environment - now is the time to bring out relaxing music, candles, beautiful placemats, and real cloth napkins.
- Use your best dishes and silverware (even if you're dining solo).
- Arrange your food so that it's visually appealing on the plate - don't just glop it on there without giving it your best artistic eye!
- Eat with your eyes closed... have someone else feed you. Try to guess what you're eating!
- Eat with chopsticks.
- Eat with your non-dominant hand. If you're right-handed, try eating a meal with your left hand... and you'll really have to concentrate on it!
- Have your dinner for breakfast, to mix things up and keep your taste buds guessing.
Which of the experiments listed above sounds the most appealing to you? Pick just one experiment to try this month. Practice it, try it, adjust it... and see what a difference it makes for you.
If you like more information on healthy eating, juicy living or guilt-free self-care, visit my website at http://www.bostonhealthcoach.com.
About the author:
Christi Lehner, H.H.C., AADP Certified Holistic Health Counselor http://www.bostonhealthcoach.com; 617.492.6450 Based in Boston, but inspiring people everywhere to fall in love with healthy eating, juicy living, and guilt-free self-care! Author of the forthcoming book "You Don't Have to Be Superwoman To Be Healthy: 50 Ways to Reclaim Your Health" Do you sabotage your health? Take this quiz to find out: http://www.bostonhealthcoach.com/special_offer.html
