Full or satisfied... Learning the difference

I have been so proud of myself this past few weeks.. I have really learned a lot about nutrition as well as myself.. I have found when I am really in the mode I am a lot stronger than I thought!  At work yesterday all the girls in the office were ordering from brick oven a popular pizza and italian place, I was asked if I wanted to order, I looked over the menu and heard what the others were ordering and for a minute I thought I could have a free day just one.. but then I thought I have been working so hard I am NOT going to blow it now.. so I ordered with them but I ordered a caesar salad with fat free dressing.... and that was it! .. Sitting around the table with them smelling the calzones and alfredo was a little hard but I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had made a good decision and I almost felt a sense of control... After I was finished with my salad, I didn't feel full, it was almost as if I wanted something more, but I sat for a min. and thought to myself am I satisfied? ... Yes I was! .. I was satisfied, not full, but satisfied... in the past I think I have lost site on why we eat.. I obviously ate more for pleasure than for survival and the food that was pleasurable for me did not serve my body well.

So.... everytime I eat now, I have been using a smaller plate, and when I am done eating I think to myself am I satisfied?? ... If I am then I stop... I hope that I can continue to be strong, and to realize that I don't need to be full! ..

I will still want foods that are pleasurable.. and I will still eat them, but it will be with a differnt attitude now.. instead of sitting down to eat a piece of cake that ends up being 2 or 3 pieces I will stop at one and I will be satisfied! ... And that is good enough!!!