It’s so easy to grab food that shows up in front of us.
Food triggers are everywhere, from the cookies on the counter to the TV ads for pizza. Before you know it, what started as the “thought” of food is now going into your mouth.
To change your automatic response to triggers, you need a set of tools along with determination to use them when the need strikes. You also have to become good at recognizing triggers before you eat instead of slapping your head afterward and wondering why you ate so much.
One of the best ways to manage food triggers is to avoid putting yourself in situations that involve them. Instead of fighting to sustain your willpower, don’t allow yourself to be tempted in the first place.
Like many people, Laura had a hard time resisting peanut butter. She said, “When I bring peanut butter into my house, I keep dipping into it and in three days I finish off the whole jar. Now I don’t buy it anymore so it’s not there to tempt me.”
Whenever you can, keep a distance between you and your high-risk foods. Don’t stock items such as chips, cookies or candy in your home or work setting.
Question the purpose of some of your food items. Is having a candy jar on your desk a subtle attempt to get people to like you? If so, look for other ways to build your connections, such as handing out free flowers once a week or sharing books you enjoy.
Whenever Harriet bought malted milk balls, she told her husband they were for her grandchildren. Then one day, the two children loudly announced, “Grandma, you know we don’t like those. Why don’t you buy us something else.” She finally admitted she was buying them for herself.
And don’t try using your children as an excuse by saying, “It’s not fair that they can’t have these foods in the house.” Instead, teach them about your goals with healthy eating. If they want to eat snack foods, encourage them to eat them in places where you won’t see the food.
If you are determined to change your life, make a clean sweep. Most people who quit smoking don’t keep a pack of cigarettes with them just to see if they can resist them.
So treat food the same way–get rid of the things that put you at risk for giving in and overeating.