Week III: Good Till the Last Bite

In this, our third behavioral experiment we will count the number of bites until we feel full. For our first day, let's just count the solid food. Feel free to go beyond that bite when you register fullness. Just note when it occured and eat all that you want.

Then let's begin to count swallows of liquid, even water, while we're eating a meal. You'll certainly feel full drinking a glass of milk sooner than you would a thinner beverage. Let's even count swallows of water until fullness.

Finally, admit that you usually fill up around a certain numbers of bites, and discontinue eating when you reach that number.

Make it Real:
If you require a little notebook to tally bites, then use one.

Watch out for meals where you drink alcohol. It's harder to keep count when you're drinking.

Food for Thought:
Notice which meal, and the hour of the day that requires more bites of food than at other times to satisfy your hunger.

Do you reach that moment sooner with some kinds of food than others?

Do you scheme to beat this exercise by taking larger bites than normal?

On the weekends, when you're free to eat as you wish, in this case without counting, are you more aware of that moment when you achieve and then go beyond a sense of satisfaction?