Emotional and Stress-Eating

You know that I’m not here to pinch your biscuits, cake or chips. However, I would like to help you loosen your grip on your crystal ball.

Your brain is very, very good at prediction based on things that have happened in your past. That can be useful when it’s based on clear evidence. For example, if you drink too much, you’ll likely have a hangover.

When prediction becomes cognitive distortion and is based on insecurity or anxiety, it can hold you back by creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Try out this thought, a version of which might cross your mind come December:

“I just know that I’ll start on the Christmas ham / turkey / cake / potatoes / (insert your favourite here) and I won’t be able to stop. It’s like that every Christmas.”

If you think that thought enough, it becomes a belief and Christmas eating becomes a huge challenge. Your brain will try to reinforce your belief.

Try this instead:

“There’ll be lots of delicious food at Christmas. Most of the pleasure of eating it will be in the first bite or two so I’ll have a couple of bites each of all my favourites and I’ll savour those slowly so I get the most enjoyment out of Christmas eating.”

That sets your brain up for more success. It takes practice but, like planting a tree, the best time to start this was 20 years ago and the second best time is right now.

Put your crystal ball away and start leading your brain where you actually want it to go.

Photo by Arthur Ogleznev on Unsplash