For many people, eating skills are an important consideration, both nutritionally and socially. It’s important to have control over what you eat, know what food is on your plate, and be aware of the size and location of each food item.

Use the Clock Reference System

One way to tell what food is on your plate is to use the clock reference system. Think of your plate as a clock face with 12:00 at the top (the edge that is farthest away from you) and 6:00 at the bottom (the edge that is closest to you). This reference system can help you form a mental picture of where each food item is located on your plate:

The illustration shows a plate of food arranged with the clock reference system. Click on the image to enlarge in a new window.

Additional Eating Skills and Tips

• Use a tray or place mat to help maintain your orientation to your place setting. Place a napkin in your lap to protect your clothing.
• Use the locating technique to explore your place setting safely, effectively, and discreetly.
• Use your fork and the tip of your knife to periodically check the location and arrangement of the food on your plate. Push food items back toward the center of your plate if they’ve gravitated outward toward the edges.
• Use solid foods, such as mashed potatoes, as a “buffer” or barrier to help push food on to your fork. You can also use a knife or a piece of bread as a buffer.
• The tip of your knife can also give you an indication of the size of the meat or any other food item that requires cutting.
• The weight of the food on your fork or spoon can help indicate the size of the portion.
• When scooping with a fork, press the tines down into and under your food; you will feel a "dragging" sensation if the food item is not fully cut and severed from the main piece.
• Make sure the cutting edge of your knife blade is facing downward before you cut or slice. You can identify the cutting edge of the knife blade without touching it. Since the cutting edge is usually curved, try rocking the knife blade forward and backward on the table top to determine when the cutting edge (which will rock) is facing downward.
• If you place the non-cutting edge against the table top, the knife will be flush against the surface and will not rock.
• Try turning your plate around so that your meat is at 6:00. If you're not reaching over other foods, it can sometimes make cutting easier.
• Place the fork tines down into the meat or food item to be cut and hold the fork firmly in place while you cut around it with the knife to obtain a bite-sized piece.
• When placing your order at a restaurant, ask to have your meat cut before it is brought to the table. See Questions About Coping in Social Situations for additional hints about eating in restaurants.

Using Salt and Pepper

Here some technques to help with using salt and pepper:

• Salt weighs more than an equivalent amount of pepper.
• The salt shaker usually has larger perforations.
• Salt has a different sound when shaken because the textures of salt and pepper are different. Salt sounds "looser" and more granular than pepper.
• Use different-shaped shakers for each, or place a rubber band around one.
• To control the flow of salt, shake some into your palm and explore the amount with your pinky finger.
• You can also pour salt into your palm and pinch out small amounts, or extend your hand over your plate with your palm down and your fingers spread, while you shake the salt over your spread-out fingers.

Try these hints to help with pouring cold liquids

• Place your index finger at the rim of the cup or glass to feel the liquid rising to the top (Note: This technique is used with cold liquids only).
• Listen for the sound of liquid entering the container, as well as for sound changes as the liquid reaches the top rim of the cup or glass.
• Wrap your hand around the glass or cup and feel for temperature changes as the liquid level rises.
• Begin practicing with a shorter glass or cup with a wide mouth.
• Try pouring from a pitcher with a spout.

Try these hints to help with pouring hot liquids

• Sunbeam Hot Shot Beverage Maker heats 12 ounces of water in about 90 seconds at the touch of a button. Make piping hot water for coffee, cereals, soups, cocoa, or tea. Available from Independent Living Aids.
• Microwave one cup of water for two and one-half minutes.
• Pre-measure the desired quantity of water and pour it through your automatic coffee maker with the filter basket in place.
• Fill a kettle with the desired amount of water (one cup, for example) before heating and pouring.

These hints can help with pouring both hot and cold liquids:

• Electronic liquid level indicators can help you pour hot and cold liquids by making a persistent noise and/or vibrating when the liquid in a glass or cup is a certain distance from the top rim. The electronic liquid level indicator shown here is available from Independent Living Aids. For more information about adaptive devices that can help with pouring, see Sources of Products for Independent Living.
• To reduce spilling, place the lip of the container you are pouring from against the rim of the container you are pouring into.
• Pour slowly at first and gradually increase your speed as your skills improve with practice.
• Become aware of the temperature change on the side of a glass or cup as the liquid rises.
• Practice with a variety of containers.
• Never hold the cup or glass in the air while pouring; instead, place the cup or glass on a level surface. This helps to avoid spills and burns.
• If possible, use color contrast to make liquids more visible. Use a light-colored mug for coffee and a darker glass or cup for milk. Keep your body aligned with the table edge or counter top while pouring.
• Try pouring with the pitcher/kettle/coffee pot in the sink and the glass or cup on the adjoining counter top. This can make it easier to lift the pitcher or kettle and can help with spills and cleanup.
• Place the cup or glass on a tray with sides or a lip, so that any spills are contained on the tray. Wipe up any spills immediately.
• When entertaining friends or family, ask each person to pour his or her own beverage!

Additional Resources for Eating Skills

• If you would like additional instruction in eating skills, you can contact a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. See Vision Rehabilitation Services on this web site for more information.
• Find Vision Rehabilitation Services
• Sources of Products for Independent Living