Munchies

[AmandaJane]

Hello! I just read the thread about the tips for beginners and it was VERY helpful. I am having an issue with nibbles. I have 3 kids and have been making seperate meals for them. ( They of course are not major veggie fans.) My problem is I have a hard time not tasting the food I make for them. I have been struggling with this for the last 3 days. Sometimes I win and sometimes I don't. I never eat the food but I know even a taste is bad. Can anyone give me any advice on how to overcome these? :sadeyes:

[Maya]

Hello Amanda Jane!

I don't know if this will help...but... reading your mail I remembered how I was thinking...hm...my job is cooking for 14 people (I'm a chef) in the summer...how will I taste food? But then I quickly realized I NEVER try food...

See, I was learning how to cook by a nun - she was the best cook in our country and I was lucky to be one of her students (we lived on her farm and cooked from scratch from all the natural home made ingridents) - but she NEVER tasted food. Food should be smelled - it really can be done!

When I was in India - same thing. They do not taste food when they cook it. (also because they offer it to God first). But also, because if you constantly taste it, then it's not such a treat, surprise for you as is for "guests".

So, since I don't think there's a way you could do it (maybe taste it and spit it out? :eyebrow:) - I think you can turn it into the new skill - cooking without tasting - you'll see it's possible. Just use your nose, you can even smell if sth is too salty.

I have been a chef for 5 years now (ok, half year), and NEVER tasted food before it was served. It is possible. Good luck!

[cyberella]

yeah, maya-

good advice as iz actually easy 2 learn 2 cook without tasting-

i "re-learned" it again during the diet, as i also could do without when i was a chef some 20 years ago and didnt taste the seasoning then--
in the beginning of the diet i always tasted and spat it out- after having tasted fatty fooz, i even whiped my mouth with a tissue!! :eyebrow: puah!

about offering the dish 2 god first, i'd b cautious, though, as i dont want 2 b sent 2 hell ... {rofl}

[LesKiya]

Look at it! Smell it! and think of staying on the diet for weeks longer if you put it in your mouth. That has kept me from nibbles for 12 solid weeks now.

[Hugentobler]

Try chewing a strong flavored gum like peppermint while you are cooking. You won't want to put food in your mouth when you have gum in. I recommend the brand "5". It comes in a black box. The flavor is strong and it last awhile. Make sure the gum is sugar free.

[AmandaJane]

Thanks everyone. You guys are soooooo much help!:)

[lmb]

AmandaJane - the gum is a lifesaver GET IT NOW. also - make your kids meals that go a long time. I do that with my husband and kids. I make meals that they can eat for a few days. So a big pot of soup or casserole - they eat 1/2 and I freeze half to feed them later. I also was a food taster when cooking. I just stopped when I started the diet. I was a cold turkey gal. I did start relying on my husbands and daughter's taste buds to guide me too. I let them taste and season according to what they say. It's a bizarre feeling to not know what it tastes like, but it works. Anything you eat that is off your plan can and will set you back. You are better just grabbing the gum and gutting through it. Before too long it will be habit.