Why Do We Cheat On Our Diets?

If only we could solve this question, the world (for many) would
be a better place! Well, the reality is that there are real
answers to this question that will apply to many people. It will
take a good dose of reality and a brave heart to stop denying
what really happens. Read on to discover some answers that may
change your life forever and give you the impetus to lose weight
and keep it off!

Justification?

Being overweight can be used as an excuse for being unhappy,
especially when you do not do anything to help yourself.
Subconsciously, over-eating is a comfort for many people and
this then allows them to hide behind their weight problem and
helps them to justify rejection and avoid being hurt. They can
then shift the blame of rejection on their weight-problem,
without addressing other aspects of their fears. Sometimes it
seems easier to hide behind your “weight problem”, than address
other matters where you may have a greater fear of failure.

Eating Without Thinking?

If you are concentrating on another activity while you are
eating you are more likely to overeat because you are not fully
aware of how full you are feeling. This factor can be difficult
to change because it is not a conscious action. Try to only eat
when you don’t have a lot of other distractions. Sit down, eat
slowly and enjoy the food you are eating, and remember that it
is not always necessary to go back for seconds. It takes 20
minutes for food to reach your stomach and for your brain to
register that you are full.

Cravings?

The famous “Pavlov’s dogs” were conditioned to eat at the sound
of a bell, and we human are much the same when it comes to
habitual cravings. If you wonder why you always feel like a
chocolate when you sit down to watch a movie, or you have to
have a box of popcorn….think again. You are not necessarily
craving these foods because you are hungry, but rather consider
force of habit. During the time when you have a craving, try to
ask yourself whether you are really hungry or not. If you are
hungry, reach for a low fat snack rather than a chocolate bar or
bag of crisps.

Indulging?

Eating or thinking about food can be a distraction from your
troubles and you may therefore be unnecessarily over-eating.
Emotions and hormones can trigger certain cravings, for example,
if you are feeling low, chocolate and carbohydrates assist the
production of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin helps you feel
happier. This is why we might crave sweet or starchy foods
during times of sadness or stress.

If you identify with any of the above factors, you could be on
your way towards discovering what is triggering you to overeat.

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