Diet Talk - Reprogramming Eating

DIET TALK is a series of 56 topics addressing the psychological and social aspects of successful, long-term weight management. DIET TALK is based on my NPR series. This lecture addresses reprogramming eating.

Transcript

Reprogramming Eating Much of what we eat,

When we eat it,

And the quantity we eat is habit.

And habit is the result of programming.

Often a habit is formed when we combine a situation with a certain food.

Routines and habits are necessary.

But a problem arises when we associate food with activities,

Places,

And people that should be free of food.

And there's nothing wrong with always snacking while watching television or eating something whenever you have to spend time with a certain person.

But this becomes an issue if they interfere with your ability to lose weight and keep it off.

To begin reprogramming your eating,

Keep a record of every morsel of food you ate along with when you ate it,

Where you were,

What you were doing,

And whom you were with.

By doing this,

You'll determine what and whom you associate with eating.

Then,

Make a list of what you will do to change the negative associations.

There are at least four advantages to dissociating appetite reactions from non-food events.

First is having freedom from a preoccupation with food when it shouldn't be on your mind.

Second,

You'll get more out of activities if you aren't distracted.

Third,

You'll be more aware of what you're eating.

And fourth,

You won't succumb to the warm glow syndrome,

Being more receptive to ideas while eating.

So,

Start working on separating eating from all else.

To do this,

Eat only in the kitchen or dining room.

Pay attention to when and with whom you find yourself wanting to eat and begin substituting something else for the food.

Change either the situation or what you eat.

You'll begin establishing a new set of habits that you have chosen and feel comfortable with.

Reviews

Great advice as usual so far! Thank you!