I wanted to add one more thought to my reply.

As I get more confident at being able to lay these hands down when I'm beat, and as I'm getting better at really watching my opponents and being able to put them on ranges, I am lowering my opening bet amount.

So, my post is from a beginners perspective, or someone who is having some issues post flop. A strat like this should protect you from suckouts and from yourself (lol), so you can observe and think about these hands and you gain confidence and skillz in playing them, without loosing too much money. I'd sugget lower your bet gradually as start to feel more comfy with your ability to not loose on them.

After I thought about my post I wanted to just specify that it might not be anything very advanced, but that I was taking your situation into account and that this is the beginner's forum