Is Your Brain Making You Eat? Inspiration.........

Is Your Brain Making You Eat? by Katie Jay, MSW, CTA-certified Life Coach According to Dave Krueger, MD, Professional Coach, repetition of behavior is comforting because it's secure and familiar, and we like to know what to expect. He says we substitute familiarity for happiness. Does that describe you? Is Your Neurology in Charge? You have well worn neural networks in your brain that get triggered. When you see a food that used to be a regular part of your diet, your brain knows what to do with it "without thinking." In fact, Dave Krueger points out that your brain likes not having to make a decision about something every time it comes up. So, without making a decision, your brain automatically says, "Eat it!" That's right. No need to make a decision -- you have a well-established brain pattern that makes it easy to pick up that food and eat. Then, of course, your well-worn guilt and shame neural network gets triggered. And your brain knows how to take you down that pathway, too. The reality is, your brain is not in charge. It is simply following the well-worn path. But hear this! You can change your brain. Start Digging! To change how you behave around food, you will need to create new neural networks. That's like digging a new path, instead of allowing yourself to go down the familiar old path. Digging a new path is hard work. You have to have the right tool (a shovel, not a spoon!). You have to know where you want it to go and you might even have to buy a new map. Of course, you'll probably sweat. It just won't be as much fun as skipping down the old path. Learn to Accept Change as a Constant To truly get beyond old eating patterns, you will need to change. Accepting that you need to change is the first step. Understanding that change will require you to be uncomfortable for awhile is the next step. To tolerate change, you will develop a neural network that accepts change and welcomes the loss of old patterns. You can do this using positive self talk. Remind yourself frequently that the discomfort you are feeling is temporary, and that eventually your new pattern will be a well-worn path. Tolerate Extreme Success I don't want to weigh anything close to 331 pounds again! To maintain my goal weight, I have to override all kinds of urges to follow my well-worn path, my "eat-whatever- is-in- front-of-me path." When I am confronted with an invitation to go down the old path I stop and consider where I want to wind up. Then, I get out my shovel and start digging. My new path is coming along quite nicely, even if it's the hardest work I've ever done. Construction Projects Take a Long Time You're probably thinking 21 days should be enough to change your path. Well, it is not. That amount of time is enough to make a great start. After three weeks, you certainly are getting used to going down the new path. But, the path isn't complete. It's still easy to turn back. The long, well-worn path will take a long time to create. It's Worth Every Drop of Sweat, Isn't it? Your goals to be healthy and to live a better life are within reach. You wouldn't have had weight loss surgery if you were not wanting big changes. So, be diligent and keep digging. Visualize the completed pathway -- with a smooth walkway and many exciting destinations. You Are not Alone The nicest thing about this amazing project is you don't have to go through it alone. Many people are in the process of overcoming obesity, and they are available to share your journey, to encourage you, to cheer you on, and to comfort you.

Good post hun! Mornin to ya!

I do know that I eat a lot without thinking. In many cases even finding myself after stuffing something in my mouth as a matter of habit and then a bad case of the WHY****s me. It is a long long road of patterned behaviors that is so often hard to break and so many never do. Thank you for the intelligent post. Hugz to the newlywed, Ron

I so agree with you....this surgery is ONLY a tool....the rest is a mental and emotional game we have to WIN, everyday....every thought of what goes in our mouth, how we exercise, etc.....it is by no means EASY.... Take care, Ann

Thanks honey...hope you all have a great day.....do you get to see Debbers today?

We got to go to Breakfast in Boomtown and then church but then she had to go to work so now I am farting around. I am good at that!

ugh...i am beginning to hate her job...well, actually i have for awhile since i never get to hear from her anymore