Controlled Binge Eating
Wait, did I just say controlled binge eating? Isn’t that an oxymoron?
Yes, you read that right, and no, it’s not an oxymoron. It really is possible to outsmart the food binging, mindless grazing, evil little food demon that loves to torment us.
Let’s say you’re like me and you really love ice cream. I’m talking about the stand-at-the-counter-with-a-big-spoon-and-mindlessly-eat-right-out-of-the-container kind of love. (The struggle is real, y’all!)
Here’s what you do:
- Take the ice cream container from the freezer and scoop a reasonable sized amount (that means just one or two scoops) into a small bowl.
- Put the ice cream container back in the freezer.
- Take the bowl of ice cream and go sit at the dining room table.
- Take your time and enjoy one spoonful at a time. Really taste it.
- When you’re done, put the bowl and spoon in the sink.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- If, after 15 minutes, you’re still not satisfied and you are still craving ice cream, repeat the process (1 or 2 scoops into a bowl, sit at the table, slowly enjoy, then put the empty bowl into the sink).
- Wait another 15 minutes.
- By this time, you have likely reached a state of satiety (meaning you’re full and/or satisfied) and you are probably no longer craving more ice cream.
Congratulations, you have just outsmarted your inner ice cream demon!
Think about it. You removed yourself from the source (the container), you removed yourself from the environment (the kitchen), you took the time to really enjoy and taste the ice cream, and from start to finish the whole process lasted well over 30 minutes. Imagine the damage your little demon would have normally done in that amount of time!
Whatever your little demon craves, you can outsmart it AND you can still enjoy the food you love. See? Not an oxymoron after all.
Check back next month for Healthy Food Habits, Part 2: Creating a Safe Environment.
Categorized in: General
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