Enjoying your meal alone.

I live alone, and more often than not, dinner is a solo affair. Consequently, I tend to eat quite quickly since there is no conversation over which to linger. When I eat quickly, I don't concentrate on my food and tend to overeat. Any suggestions on how to remedy this situation?

Mon. Feb 6, 11:09am

I do the same thing! I often pop a meal in the microwave and then scarf it down.

I've found that if I take the time to "plate" my meal, I enjoy it a bit more. Don't eat out of the plastic tray - put it on a nice plate, maybe even add a garnish. Presentation counts!

I spent at least five minutes last night dressing it up some simple yogurt and granola in a wine glass. I layered a bit of yogurt, a spoonful of yogurt and two kiwi slices over and over until it was like a fancy parfait. It looked great and I enjoyed eating it even more.

Monday, February 06, 2006, 11:28 AM

make a conscious effort to slow down and taste your food. Put your fork down between bites. It's lik exercise- you just have to decide to do it.

That being said, I find if I make my meal, instead of just throw something in the microwave, it's usually healthier, and I enjoy it more, and take the time to enjoy it because I took the time to prepare it.

Monday, February 06, 2006, 12:24 PM

Try calling a family member or friend and talk while you are eating. This way you will take longer to enjoy your food and have a nice conversation with someone you need to stay in contact with.

Monday, February 06, 2006, 12:30 PM

I find that I am anal about portion control when I eating alone. I literally only order enough sushi for one person and that's all I eat. When I'm done, I get up and purposely turn to a new activity. I never make a huge bowl of pasta (that I can use for lunch the next day). I will invariably eat the entire thing when I'm alone, every time. I often eat a bowl of cereal too, it's easy and hard to overdo it.

Monday, February 06, 2006, 12:42 PM

Create an interior space that either energizes or soothes you (or both) and eat there. Eat slowly, off of nice dishes while you enjoy your surroundings and the tast and texture of your food.

For example I am a huge fan of japanese interior design and I find incorporating these elements helps calm and relax me. So I have made a dining 'area' that, with only a few purchases, captures the serenity and harmony that I find with this style. I find that when I eat here I am calmer and can relax and enjoy my food while I watch my fountain or simply meditate on my day.

It's fun to put together and when I find a new piece that I can't resist, I incorporate it or change the space - this helps keep it 'fresh'. However i initially put it together because I was sick of eating in front of my computer :-)

Monday, February 06, 2006, 1:37 PM

Challenge yourself to see how many different vegetables you can incorporate into one dish, or how good you can make them taste using only lemon, salt and pepper, other spices, etc. You can eat as much as you want that way, and it'll also make you conscious about the food. Have just a small portion of something with some protein and fat.

Monday, February 06, 2006, 3:38 PM

I eat in courses

so I eat alone every night too, and often times my main course is something from the microwave. I always have a salad first, with lots of veggies and that really puts a dent in the hunger. Then when the meal is ready (often paired with a side veggie) I usually am not hungry enough to "scarf". I also have a tendency to read when I eat- that always slows me down!

Monday, February 06, 2006, 5:41 PM

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