When to Stop Eating
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When should you stop eating?
- When you feel satisfied.
- When you feel full.
- When you feel satiated.
- None of the above.
The correct answer is D because when you're eating it takes about 15 minutes or more for your stomach to send a message to your brain that you're full. So if you eat until you feel satisfied, full, or satiated (stuffed), you may be overeating, leading to excess calories and weight gain.
The next time you find yourself digging-in to finish your plate or reaching for seconds, STOP and relax. Take time to enjoy your meal by talking with others at the table, writing in your food journal, or enjoying a non-caloric beverage. Or simply get away from the table. If after 15 minutes you still feel hungry, finish your plate or take a second helping.
And what if you're having trouble feeling full? Try drinking a glass of water or a non-caloric beverage that will make you feel fuller when consumed with your meal.
Of course it wouldn't be practical to stop for 15 minutes before finishing every meal, but this is a great technique to help you learn to avoid excess calories you don't really need.
Healthy regards,
Megan Porter, RD
