What happened to our parents putting the proper portions on our plates and telling us to finish everything on our plate? 

This practice was fine when the dinner plates were smaller and the entire surface wasn’t covered with food.  Now dinner plates seem to be 1.5 times larger and we fill the entire plate with food rather than have our distinct portions. 

The second problem America faces is the challenge of changing our eating habits for the better.  We tend to diet and restrict calories to lose the weight, but really don’t learn how to eat properly. 

When we stop dieting we revert back to our same bad habits.  This is where behavior modifications and following proper portion control becomes vital. 

Behavior modification is the practice of changing ones habits permanently.  It isn’t a quick fix but rather a series of changes that take place regularly to form a habit. 

Just like we develop bad habits by consistently doing something we shouldn’t, good habits are formed the same way. 

The best way to learn behavior modification is to make small changes in increments and then build on those changes by adding others.  You should meet each goal before moving on to the next goal.

You may also have to come up with different ways or ideas to meet that goal.  Each person responds differently and learns differently so take the time to sit down and find out what you do well and what you do poorly.

I use a Behavior modification goal sheet in my counseling.  I make my clients sign these behavior contracts at the end of every session.  The contract contains the goals you are going to working on for the next week.

In part 2 I will discuss just what portion control is and how you can follow it.

Yours in health!

Jayson Hunter RD, CSCS
Get Rid of My Gut Diet

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