Strategies for success

How do you say no to cookies and other foods that you keep eating, but don't really want to, if you thought about it?  You know, the ones where after you've eaten them you wish you hadn't as you know ti wasn't a good choice.

Does anyone have any strategies that you can share, please?  Thank you.

Hi Ruth- this is always an issue for me because I have always been able to eat anything I want from the beginning.  I just NEVER keep "trigger foods" in the house.  Most of the people that don't eat junk can't eat junk.  They dump on the smallest amount of sugar or fat.  I on the other hand I can eat anything and as much of it as I want if I choose to.  It is a problem that I hoped that RNY surgery would help.   I am very disappointed with the results of the surgery.  I also can eat about 2 cups of food at a time which can cause qite a bit of damage too.  I also only eat at the table.  When I do start eating when I am out I try to stop as soon as I can.  The first bite is the best and it goes down from there.  I also forgive myself quickly when I "cheat" so that I don't eat out of guilt.     

If you don't want to eat it, don't have it around.

For me, I have a cookie after working out at the Y.  That way, I have the cookie but since it isn't around the house, I'd have to go and get another.

So basically, it is difficult to get what you desire, but not impossible (as we don't want to create abstinence rebound).  Like, say French Fries: are they in the house? No.  Do I get some when eating out? Yes.  Do I take them home if they are left over? No.

Too funny!  I do the exact same thing when I leave the Y.  LOL.  I go by and purchase one cookie, and that is my treat.  I write it down and count it in my food journal.  No damage done.  And there are none in my house to tempt me.  Works well. 

Melissa

I never thought of buying one (1) cookie. WOW

I think that is worth a try...

ahhh....cookies are my downfall so I don't keep them in the house. Now we just moved in our 6 yr. old granddaughter and mom...sweets are in the house again so I gotta be careful. Sweets are in the cubbord in the hallway so I gotta think about going to that cubbord and grabbing those darn sweets. So I have a plan in place, when I want something sweet I brush my teeth first, set the timer for 10 minutes and when the timer goes off if I still am wanting the cookies then I will have one. Most of the time I just jump into my hottub outside. One cookie won't hurt you but if it's one of your trigger foods, don't eat it. Moderation is the key

I love sweets and while I can't eat as much as I used to, I can still do some damage if I let myself.  My rule has always been that I can only have some type of sweet or treat if I worked out that day.  Also, I agree with everyone that you shouldn't keep these triggers readily available.