Clean Plate Club

Are you a member of the Clean Plate Club (CPC)? If you are, you probably eat more than you should.

I grew up as the youngest child of four. Competition for food was fierce! My siblings and I would dig our dirty fingers into our favored piece of pizza to prevent others from taking it. We ate dinner so fast that we barely had time to catch our breath. Any slower eaters had multiple pairs of eyes watching the contents of their plate like vultures. Ready to snatch at a moment’s notice!

I also grew up in a family that struggled with finances from time to time. Therefore, leaving uneaten food on your plate was akin to throwing money in the garbage. We often ate choice meals sponsored by Ramen, Kraft, and Hormel. I took control of my eating by accompanying Ma to the grocery store. That way, I could help choose what went in the cart!

I always believed that expressing your love for food means eating so much that your belly hangs over your pants. It was all about quantity. It took years for me to realize that loving food is all about quality.
Every weight loss program requires you to control your portions. Whether you count calories, measure your foods, or eat every 3 hours, you learn how to be full with less food. In other words, you drop out of the CPC.

It might be difficult to leave the CPC behind. Here are some responses you can provide to common complaints:

• There are starving children in Africa.

R- Yes, let’s eat less food, so we have more money to donate to charities to feed them.

• But, I cooked this home-made meal just for you!

R- I enjoyed every bite. Perhaps you could pack me a lunch for tomorrow, so I can enjoy it again?

• Food is love

R- I love food, but I love hugs/kisses even more!

• Here’s an extra big piece of dessert for my favorite person

R- Would you mind sharing it with me?

A special note: If the food on your plate is vegetables, you may re-enter the Clean Plate Club with full benefits.

For those who still struggle with how to drop out of the CPC, here’s another trick: Put all of your food on a dessert plate. The plate is smaller, and holds less food. You can still be in control while feeding your inner need for an empty plate.

Or you can join a club that celebrates YOU!  Join the Weightless Club.  Members will have their photo, website and/or story posted on my site.  If interested, contact me at jegoswam@bweightless.com.

Photo credit: frugalstepmom.com