Breaking the Chain

Yesterday I wrote about the chain reaction that contributes to overeating even when dieting. It is important to cut the chain to avoid subconscious excess eating habits. One effective method is to review your grocery shopping habits.

Review how you are storing your food, cooking and serving dishes, and dealing with leftovers and cleanup after a meal. Reviewing these actions will enable you to avoid subconscious eating habits.

When going grocery shopping, it is best to do the following:

1. Set up a schedule for when to shop for foods
2. Go shopping when you are not hungry
3. Make a list of items you need in advance
4. Avoid buying instant and pre-made foods

Such tips should help prevent impulse buying and making unnecessary purchases.

Chain Reaction

It is important to make a daily record of what you eat. This will help you identify your pattern of eating and find any activities that may cause overeating.

Situations that cause overeating become a chain reaction. If you analyze the chain carefully, you can take counter actions that can prevent the reaction from occurring altogether.

For example:

1. Keeping sweets within reach
2. Eating when you are not hungry
3. Disappointment in your inability to prevent overeating 
4. Give up dieting altogether

The point is whether or not you can cut the chain before it becomes longer. This will help you make your lifestyle one that prevents building fat.