February 29th, 2012 → 12:53 pm
@ Lori Williams
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I’ve decided to disclose something that’s been going on lately.
The fog has crept back. It’s not nearly as bad as before, but for the first time in years I’m feeling it. (see early posts for more) Because I know better now, I’m confident that I can pull away from it soon in fact I’m already finding my way back, but it’s pretty sad.
All of this analyzing and sharing (book and blog) is not exactly “not thinking about it,” you know.
Successful for a time I fought it off, but then with the combined effects of “thinking about it” and stress, I began again to feel the occasional temptation to use food as a quick joy. Upon giving in I consciously felt my heart (and cravings) change. It was actually really interesting.
And again, don’t you worry. My fog will be short lived this time around.
Besides, this experience is not without its benefits.
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It’s another confirmation of the philosophy (Stop Thinking About It!).
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I can again relate.
Lori’s notes to self:
1. We need to stop thinking about food BEFORE we casually overeat, not just after. I got used to eating essentially what I wanted, but that was because I didn’t crave junk food that often anymore. Once the fog settled in and I said “sure” to much of what I craved, it became too many. I wasn’t used to saying “no” to things I wanted.
What helped me: I had to say “no” to regular cravings as they came along by not thinking about them — dropping the thought. I can’t just eat anything that sounds good, stop thinking about it, and then think everything will be fine. I’ll gain, not lose.
2. What about when you simply aren’t willing to stop thinking about it because you just don’t want to give up eating it.
What helped me: I had to remind myself that if I truly stopped thinking about it, I truly wouldn’t miss it. It wasn’t as painful as I was anticipating. Often I don’t even remember what I craved. If you’re not thinking about it, the “emotional sacrifice” just isn’t there.
3. Sensitivity to feeling full is a learned behavior. This whole fog-coming-back thing has a lot to do with my recent choice to snack for fun even though I wasn’t hungry. The most interesting thing happened. Before long my sensitivity to being full dulled. Consequently I ate more at mealtime even when I was full and snacked when I wasn’t hungry.
What helped me: It’s so effective to stop thinking about food unless I’m planning a meal, preparing it, or eating.
4. We all have need for healthy,uplifting, non-food “quick joy” from time to time. Identify a few and have them ready.
If you currently feel the fog you don’t know what you’re missing. I can’t express to you how much more clear and emotionally available I was through those years spent free of it. Get excited. You have a lot to look forward to.
I’ll be good as new before we know it.
I hope this helps!
Lori
Tags: controling appetite, dieting, eating disorder, emotional battle, emotional eating, exercise, fitness, food addiction, food obsession, health book, how to stop thinking about food, Lori Williams, overeating, stop thinking about it, weight loss
