Alegra Loewenstein
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You're doing portion control ALL wrong!

12/10/2017

2 Comments

 
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I want to challenge something right now. 

It might be uncomfortable. I want to challenge the idea that portion control is a healthy way to eat. 

Because I understand, as a total control freak my self, the temptation to try to control what I eat. 

(The funny thing is that I used to consider my self "Type B."  I actually thought I was super laid back, didn't worry too much about things, could go with the flow.

However, having children made me realize that I'm actually extremely controlling! It's just that before kids I was successfully controlling most of my world... and then I had kids and have been basically white-knuckling the edge of the table since they were born, staring in amazement because my mind is blown that I am so unable to control things now.  

Sooooo.... it was more like I could be all relaxed and "Type B" because I was so damn good at being Type A that I didn't even know it!)

Also, I used to try to control what I ate. And, interestingly, for a long time that was also out of my control.  And it was a real challenge in my life. 

The things in my life that felt shitty (in hindsight, basically all the things I could not control), made me want to eat sugar.

I'd try to NOT eat sugar, fail, and then just eat more sugar. 

And in my business now I connect with many women who share that they feel that way about many other types of food as well, sometimes all food. 

Sometimes they find that portion control has helped them maintain a healthy weight.

However, there are two ways to go about portion control. 

The first way, the more common way, is that some external measurement determines the portion. Whether calories, volume/weight, carbs, points, or whatever, this can backfire. It's useful to learn what an average portion might be. But if you are hungry, you may need more than average, and if you are not hungry, you may need less than average. 

The second, more empowering, way is to trust your body as the guide. When your body is telling you what the portion should be, it will be just the right amount. And the beautiful thing is that when your body is able to get exactly what it needs to be satisfied, you are able to ENJOY the portions, not simply control them. 

It is my mission to help women create this holistic whole body connection in a playful, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, so they can enjoy all the foods they love. 



2 Comments
Jamie link
12/14/2017 05:34:00 pm

I definitely TRY to practice portion control and find that I'm more what you describe in the second one. I've tried to measure out and and track but then I just get too obsessive about it. Now I just try to nourish my body and think about what it really needs. And when I'm not eating such great things I try to just be mindful of how much I'm eating!

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Alegra
12/14/2017 09:11:26 pm

I hear you! I used to be crazy, keeping track of sugar grams in my journal... for a few days, then giving up! I sometimes look at numbers now if I'm on the fence about something. But mostly I just try to pay attention to my body - It's not easy in this day and age, but it's still the best guide!

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    Alegra

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