When returning to 0 to 5 eating or just starting out, sometimes it is hard to know how much food is reasonable to eat. We can eat whatever we want when we land at zero. (See my post about how to know if you are physically hungry or at a 0.)
But how much food should I eat?
It is best to give yourself a portion, rather than have a bag of chips or a serving dish of food in front of you. Put an amount of food on your plate and then let that be that. Experiment a bit, but you may want to establish a boundary that whatever food you put on your plate, you will eat that (or less) and then wait 10 minutes before serving yourself more if you think you are still hungry.
A fist is a very reasonable measuring tool to use to evaluate portion size. Here is a video where I share my thoughts on the subject. 🙂
Another approach is whatever you have been serving yourself up to this point (if you haven’t been eating 0 to 5), try serving yourself a third or half of that. I know this sounds extreme, but just remember you can eat again when you are hungry.
Thin Within is quite simple, really, but we find that there are times when it isn’t easy. Times when we clearly want more food than we need. We can have all the practical tidbits in the world, but if we aren’t willing to say no to our fleshly desires, if we aren’t willing to live within our good, godly and delightful boundaries, then all the wisdom and insight will make very little difference!
So, are you willing? I personally, am romancing the willingness. Will you join me?
Thank you so much for all of your posts, they are very encouraging! I am rededicating to obey God in 0-5 eating. I find it is a little harder to do after losing weight and feeling comfortable with the few last lbs. I have to renew my mind into thinking this isn’t just for weight loss but a way to depend on The Lord minute by minute of every day.
Thank you for your ministry! I look forward to your emails in the morning. 🙂
Tina, thank you so much for letting me know. Yes, it is true that we can slip into a mentality that makes this all about food and weight. The truth is, I really believe God has given us this as an invitation to walk in intimate dependency on him. We don’t want to miss that! Thank you for your kind comments! I am so thankful for your recommitment!
Thank you Heidi for your videos. They are really helpful and encouraging!!!
I have a lot of fun with them, Natalia. That God can use them to encourage or instruct just proves he has a sense of humor! LOL! Thanks for the kind words!
I needed this reminder this morning. I had a discouraging evening yesterday. God is victorious!
Yes He is! 🙂
All this talk about food reminds me that it’s SO not about food 🙂
The Day 3 scripture from Romans 13:14 is a big focus for me today. “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Yup… God’s got bigger plans for me today than just deciding what to eat…
Thanks for the morning encouragement!
Hi, Mary. I love Barb’s scripture. She has such great references for us, doesn’t she? Romans 13:14 really is convicting in that way. So often I think ahead about gratifying my sinful nature. I want to die to my fleshly self, instead!
I’m loving the directness of these bible study questions, your videos and your sharing in a “real, open, and honest” way your experiences and struggles. I have to admit I’m struggling to apply some of this weeks material because I’m relatively new to Thin Within, and I’m still trying to find my 0-5, so I have a hard time knowing if I’m “going one bite over” my boundary. I’ve been doing Thin Within for about 2 months at a pace of a day a week. I know it sounds slow, but it’s working great for my friend and I, who serve as accountability partners for one another. This is a wonderful supplement. You leadership is amazingly positive and Christ-centered, Heidi. I’m so glad God led me to this bible study near the begining. The format also works very well for me becuase we can do it on our own. I also appreciate all the insights from the group. Thank you all.
Hi, N. Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate that you are coming on along with your friend, too. If you have questions about 0 and 5, feel free to post them. I am sure there are many people here who can help a lot with this! 🙂 And, of course, I will be glad to as well. I was just thinking today about this study and how it definitely assumes experience with Thin Within. I apologize for not being more considerate of newbies! Thank you for not giving up!
Hi N
Something that helped me to stop eating at 5 was to make sure I ate the best bites first. I used to save the best for last, but that caused me to overeat! This way of eating can be a slow process so I am so glad you have someone close to you to go on this journey with. This class is great reinforcement and support too!
Linda
Thanks for the video! It was really helpful to get a visual of how much should fill us. I think I better start using a small plate!
Linda
Excellent video for me as well. I am coming to an understanding of the fact that it is better to eat less and enjoy and then come back for more when at 0 again. Without God and good coaches, like Heidi, it would be awfully hard for me to re-commit to 0 to 5 eating. I pray for us to all walk in obedience and in the process grow in love of God.
Hi, Lisa. So glad it helped. Thanks for the prayer. I think that is so vital! Obedience out of a heart of love!
I have always had a challenge with 5. I know 0 easily, but knowing 5 is often unclear. I really like how you use “hungry/not hungry” – I’m finding that more clear cut and useful for me. Thanks!
So glad. Tomorrow there will be videos about “Finding 5”
My fist has slowly been getting larger as I have drifted around deciding what 5 is for me. Thanks for the visual Heidi and I too prefer using hungry/not hungry which seems to take me out of the gray area and back to black and white.
You know I find that easier than numbering everything. But “not hungry” happens pretty quickly for me. In fact, when I use “5” I end up eating more than if I use “not hungry.” That is probably just me!
Thank you all for the great tips and encouragement. The video today was wonderful on this point; thank you. I also liked the “best bites first.” idea as well. Thanks again!
Hi! It still amazes me how little we actually need to satisfy ourselves. This is a terrific reminder!!! Thanks for sharing the video!!!