Clock Reference System

It's obviously important to know what is on your plate, and where it's located. One helpful technique is to think of your plate as a clock face with 12:00 being at the top and 6:00 being at the bottom closest to you. This "clock reference system" will help you form a visual image of where things are located on your plate. You can gently use the tip of your knife to explore each foods location, and/or you can ask for confirmation from whoever is with you. In this way you'll feel you have more control over what you eat, and where you can locate it. You could also turn your plate so your meat is at 6:00 which might make it easier to cut as you're not reaching over other foods. The tip of your knife can also give you an indication of the size of the meat or any other food that needs to be cut.

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Plate of Food showing clock reference system. Click on image to enlarge in new window.

Ask for Assistance in Cutting Meat

You might want to ask someone at your table to cut the meat for you before you begin eating. This will depend on your own comfort level in asking for assistance. If you are at a restaurant, when you place your order you might ask to have your meat cut before it is brought to the table.