I’m finding out that life doesn’t have to be so complicated. I’ve dieted for almost 40 years now. I guess mom always thought I should be thinner. First it was Weight Watchers with Bean Sprout Spaghetti, Lettuce roll-ups instead of sandwiches and then on to Adkin’s and Scarsdale, “Fit-for -Life”, Fat Flush, the Blood Type, South Beach and on and on. So many, it’s beyond counting.
With each one, I further boxed myself in, convincing myself I’d found ”the Way!” Years later having gained and lost 100′s of pounds, I’m left with a rigid belief system that is impossible to follow. Beliefs like only spinach and salmon are good for you (and of course the “experts” have wrecked Salmon now. If it’s farm raised it’s toxic, which now leaves me with Spinach and I don’t like it). 
I’ve found myself recently going to another Health Practitioner who gave me, once again, another solution: twenty-one days on an herbal/rice based drink. Absolutely discouraged following diligently, I gained about 5 #’s, and experienced horrible GERD (Acid Reflux)
I called a wise friend for help. I was utterly amazed at what she said, “Carol, be easier on yourself. Take the next 5 days and just eat moderately. Eat anything you want.” Wow, what freedom!! The key was “moderate” and the question came: “What is moderate?”
I found myself remembering my Grandmother Bold who lived to 101. She was always last at the table. She had a practice of chewing her food. She ate a pleasant basic diet and now and then had a cookie (one) or a piece of cake. She worked hard all day and had a stable demeanor. She was a plodder. What came to me when I asked my question was “chew your food Carol!”
For the last three days I’ve chosen foods that I wanted, rather than from a “should” perspective. I committed to chew what ever I ate 100 times. (well, I don’t think I could get beyond 30 times, but I’m amazed at the results)
Here’s the results I’ve gotten in just 3 days: 1. I got to eat what I want 2. I eat 1/2 as much because I’m eating slower and get full faster 3. My GERD is GONE!! 4. I drastically reduced the need to take enzymes capsules because saliva is rich in them.
So here’s other benefits of chewing your food. You can enjoy the food you’re eating because your eating what you really want rather than from your list of “shoulds”. You can enjoy the person you’re talking to. You’re digestion improves. You eat 1/2 as much, thereby saving 1/2 on your grocery bill and you may not need to buy those enzymes at $28 a bottle.
Ah yes, simplicity. All because I simply chew my food!!
