Cravings

I have to admit it... I'm a Dr. Phil fan. Sometimes he over-simplifies, but yesterday he was talking to a person who wanted to quit smoking and he said some things that rang a bell with me about my food cravings. He said it is not about will-power. It is about figuring out what triggers the cravings (places, schedules, activities, etc.) and planning changes in the routine that avoid those triggers. Dont go to the store where you typically buy cigarettes. Dont eat the food that triggers the need for a cigarette chaser. Create a new habit to replace the cigarette one. Pre-determine a consequence if you fall back to earn your way out of the bad choice. (If I smoke, I won't get to wash my hair for 3 days) So, I am watching myself and the mindless snacking as an objective observer, noting when and where I feel the need to stuff a cracker in my mouth. The kitchen TV seems to be a food magnet for me. SO... I will try to remove all visible food before I allow myself to turn on the TV there. If that does not work, my consequence is no kitchen TV for 3 days. The key to impulse control is to preplan a response to the urge. Have the right foods on hand... Have alternate activities available... Count the cost of the self-imposed consequence before deciding to indulge... Let's all make healthy choices in 2008!

I'm not a Dr. Phil fan, but this makes sense. Good post, Joy. Hugs, Connie

i sit on the fence about dr phil- tho it does make sense- if i follow your logic that means i will never be able to sit at my computer again cuz that's where i tend to gnosh!