I was drawn to this article because, as many of us have invariably discovered, it is difficult to resist making poor food choices in today's fast-food society. Over the years, I have developed some very bad food habits. One of the worst is that I happen to be addicted to potato chips. It doesn't really matter what kind - barbecue, salt & vinegar, doritos, all dressed, hickory sticks - whatever the brand, they are all appealing. And, no matter how hard I try to avoid eating them, the cravings easily out-distance any self-control I might have, especially if I am tired or stressed after a long day at work. I convince myself that eating chips is my reward for a difficult day.
So, how can I make the changes necessary to break these "bad food habits"? This article is based on an interview with David Kessler, the author of a book entitled "The End of Overeating". The answers provided in the interview help us to understand why cravings happen and how we can alter our thinking about food. For example, food cues such as smelling or seeing food or being in a situation or location that reminds us of food can often lead to binge eating. Often, a simple TV commercial can be a catalyst for poor snack choices. Every time we indulge in our cravings, we strengthen the impulse to do it again. Instead, we need to change the way we look at food. Highly processed foods, although tasty, do not leave us feeling satisfied or healthy. The author suggests eliminating foods that make you lose control, replacing negative stimuli with positive food choices, and planning what and when you are going to eat next to avoid impulsive choices when you are famished.
This piece lead me to a related article in the same issue on breaking habits, "What Change Means to Me". Given this is the January 2010 issue, the time of well-meaning resolutions, both these articles will interest those of us who want to start the New Year off with a goal, even if it will be difficult to attain.
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