If you have read The CAMP System book, you know about the Rule of Four. Basically, this rules states that most of our cravings for food are satisfied in the first four bites of the food we long for. The next time you find yourself thinking about a cheeseburger or a piece of pizza, notice that your desire for this food is satisfied after about four careful, slow and mindful bites of the food.
The implications of this rule can help you approach any dessert in a sane, reasonable way.
Instead of avoiding your dessert, you should allow yourself to have it, but use the Rule of Four to make it satisfying.
Here’s how.
Eating Dessert Using the Rule of Four
- Make sure you are the person who is selecting your dessert portion.
- Take a quantity of the dessert that you believe is equal to four bites’ worth.
- Eat each bite slowly, carefully, mindfully. Put your fork or spoon down while you chew.
- Don’t forget to take a sip of water between each bite (this clears the palate and make the food more interesting).
- Make your pauses between bites extra long. Focus on aftertastes and enjoy the anticipation of the next bite.
- When you’re done with all four bites, ask yourself if you can be satisfied with that much of the dessert. If so, you’re done! If not, take two more bites and let that be it.
When getting a dessert at a restaurant, ask for a second plate with the dessert. When it’s served, immediately decide what is four bites’ worth and put that amount on the empty plate. Ask your server to take the remaining amount away.
In most cases you will be able to enjoy desserts without going overboard.
You may find that four bites are too many or not quite enough. Find your own strategy and then stick with it.
