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<\/a>As a kid, I HAD to sit at the table until my plate was clean. Those were the rules.<\/p>\nMy grandmother had her formative years during The Depression Era. Because of that she’s maintained the mentality of “save everything” her entire life. It’s a family joke that if we ever need anything (crutches, a football, toothbrushes) check Grandma’s basement first! This also extends to food. Don’t Waste Food! Under any circumstances.<\/p>\n
Food was scarce. Food was valuable. My grandparents passed this onto my parents and they have passed that onto me, as well.<\/p>\n
I still remember as an adult those feelings of “I must clean my plate.” Never throw out food, don’t waste it. Eat it all! I still get feelings of guilt if I don’t eat it all.<\/p>\n
Guess what? Cleaning our plates is not healthy<\/a>. That article claims: “69% of people say they finish restaurant entr\u00e9es all or most of the time.” Restaurant portions are ginormous. They are definitely more than one serving! All of the above factors contribute to the obesity in America.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>I try to be mindful <\/a>of my eating. Counting my calories makes me mindful. I think many of us are more aware of intuitive eating<\/a> now. Many parents don’t force their kids to overeat or “clean their plate.” We need to listen to the messages our stomachs are giving us.<\/p>\n