Breaking a bad habit

taracarteraz

I am having trouble overcoming the act of eating "just because it is there" For example: If I'm at a mexican restaurant and they bring chips and salsa, I will each chips and talk until they are gone, just because they are there. If cookies are in the office, I always taste one to make sure it is not the best cookie I have ever eaten and then feel guilty about it. If I'm full and the plates are not taken away, I will keep picking at whatever is left. Any ideas on how to stop this bad habit?

taracarteraz

I am having trouble overcoming the act of eating "just because it is there" For example: If I'm at a mexican restaurant and they bring chips and salsa, I will each chips and talk until they are gone, just because they are there. If cookies are in the office, I always taste one to make sure it is not the best cookie I have ever eaten and then feel guilty about it. If I'm full and the plates are not taken away, I will keep picking at whatever is left. Any ideas on how to stop this bad habit?

abby1949

Hi,
You have the "I seeit I want it bug bad!" Try not to have any of these snacks by making a resolve with yourself at the start of each day. If you go out eat a small snack (protein is good) before you go and ask the waiter not to bring the chips and salsa. If you are with others, immediately push the food to their side of the table saying you cant eat your meal if you snack. Take fruit into work so when you see those cookies you can have something "more healthy". Its all about having a plan of attack to attain your goals of not falling into "eating bad stuff trap". I know you can do it!! Take control and enjoy the more healthy food for your body!
Cheers,
Lyn:bigsmile:

firegirlred

(homer simpson style) Chips and salsa... Mmmmmmmmm.

faythe

What my mom did when she was doing her weight loss was pour salt and sugar all over half of her meal in a restaurant and then cover it with a napkin. That way, she couldn't eat what's left. You can request that they don't bring out any chips and salsa. Don't be afraid to be picky!

Also, something else my mom did, she allowed herself one "bad girl day," where she ate pretty much whatever she wanted to. The rest of the week, she followed the straight and narrow. She lost 60 pounds doing it this way, so it can work if you make it work for you!

Best of luck! Make good choices. Remember, nothing tastes as delicious as being fit feels.

JennyGetsFit

Tara - this bad food habit, as well as any other stems from the emotional relationship with food. Eating because we are bored, eating because we are intimidated and it gives us something to do, eating because you feel hurt or abandoned...the triggers are different the result is the same.
I started by controlling the environment (like what Fay suggests) but eventually moved to understand the emotions behind eating and changing the reaction. Worked for me (with occasional slip up here and there).:happy:

good luck!