Cap'ncog - I'm with you on it being difficult to slow down and concentrate on food full stop, with or without the distraction of little ones.
PMcK said most overweight people spend all their time thinking about food except when they're actually eating it, then they shovel it in with not thought or awareness (well, he worded it more delicately but that's the jist.) That really struck home.
If it's impossible can you just start with a smaller helping? I've found myself pouring half the cereal back into the bag before I add milk, or just toasting half a bagel because I know I don't want it all but would eat it if I prepared it.
yesterday I had a tiny dinner as I wasn't hungry, and thought I could go back for more later but didn't want to. But if I'd put my normal portion on the plate, even with PMcK's words in mind I'd have eaten far more than I wanted.
Oh I found the CD and book by Dh's side of the bed...
Lots of interesting stuff is happening for me. I have been eating lots of high fat foods but only when I really want them. Overall, though, the snacking has stopped or has been on fruit, which is what i've really wanted and enjoyed. Taking away the 'I should, I shouldn'ts' from certain foods has totally dissolved their pulling power, iykwim!
Also one of my sons who is a bit tubby has started pushing food away and saying he's full, and even said no to ice cream because his tummy's had enough. This is unheard of for him. It's lovely to see because he's not picking up my old guilt-ridden dieting mentality, but is learning to trust his own natural appetite and respond to it.
Nickname - choc cake for breakfast sounds like it's working brilliantly. That's real commitment to guilt free eating what you want when you want. Go Nickname!