The pleasure of food

I worked out today. I worked out hard. I was hot, sweaty, tired, and hungry when I finished my workout. I immediately went to my blender for my favorite smoothie. Pumpkin, banana, spinach, milk, tons of cinnamon, and vanilla protein powder. I inhaled my smoothie then sat at my desk wanting more. My mind wandered to all the other things I could eat. I had the hardest time focusing on work. I seriously wanted more food. Doing anything to not consume any more food, I checked my email. My inbox had the most timely information for me. It was from Joy Bauer. Here's what she wrote:

One of the most dangerous times for dieters is the period just after a meal or snack. There are two key reasons for this. The first is that eating is pleasurable, and it's human nature to want to continue doing things that give you pleasure. The second is that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to tell your belly that you've eaten enough, which means that if you eat a meal or snack too quickly (which most of us do), chances are you'll keep going until it finally hits you that you're stuffed.

This is where the humble toothbrush comes in. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating prevents postmeal picking and nibbling because nothing tastes good mixed with toothpaste. Just think about it: mint-flavored peanuts, minty potato chips, mint and meatballs — ick.

She hit the nail on the head. My smoothie was pleasurable and I wanted more. I popped a piece of gum in my mouth, turned up the music, and started working. You know what? After 10 minutes I no longer needed more food. I got lost in my music and work.

I'm going to post it here for everyone to see. I want to lose 10 lbs. I want to stay fit and strong and work out, but I want to lose the rolls around my belly and the jiggly stuff on my hips. I need you to keep me honest and accountable.