“Don’t Waste Food”

I have a strong desire not to waste food. I’m pretty sure the roots come from my parents who were born during the Great Depression. Growing up, we didn’t waste food in my house. If we didn’t eat it the day it was prepared, we would have to eat it the next day.

I had five older brothers and sisters. When I was younger, I always had the feeling that I needed to eat as much as I could so that I could get as much as could before it was gone. Did I mention that I am addicted to food?

I was a restaurant manager for several years and wasted food equaled wasted money. I hated seeing food go to waste.

Then after I got married it was my own family and my money that was spent on food. A big portion of my budget went (and still goes) to food.

Because of this, I would eat others leftovers. I would eat it rather than throw it away – so that it wouldn’t go to waste! It did, however, go to my waist! Then as my weight problem continued to get worse, I would eat all of something one day (like a whole bag of chips or box of cookies) in order to avoid being tempted to eat it the next day. How sick is that!?
It has been a struggle for me this month to stop eating when I’m full, or to not eat everyone’s leftovers when they were full.

I have found a couple things that have helped: portion control and eating slower.
By only preparing what I should eat for each meal, I avoid leftovers. Plus portioning food also lets me feel like I’ve accomplished the task of cleaning my plate. My mother would be so proud.

Eating slower has some wonderful side effects. It helps me really enjoy my food, and helps me to be more satisfied after a meal. I have found that when I am full, food does not taste as good. By eating too quickly, I lose that delightful initial sensation that really good tasting food gives – much faster than necessary.

Here is an example. My family and I went out to dinner at Old Chicago to have pizza to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. I planned ahead and decided that instead of eating half a pizza I would only have two slices. When the pizza came, I took the two slices and set them on my plate. Then I used my fork to cut small pieces. I ate every bite slowly and deliberately. The sensation of the flavors was wonderful. By the time I had finished the second piece, I was entirely satisfied. Pizza is probably my favorite food in the world. That was the first time, in a long time, that I remember enjoying it that much.