I know a lot of people hate rules. I happen to be okay with rules. I like knowing what is expected of me in social situations (etiquette) and having an understanding of what to do at a flashing red light (rules of the road) and having little ditties to remind myself of things (righty tighty-lefty loosey).
So I am okay with the idea when the author of The End of Overeating said to make rules for myself to help navigate past the foods that are all around me which are speaking directly to the depths of my brain. Studies show that there is a cycle of "cue-urge-reward-habit" which is imprinted on the brain. It is highly automated and below the level of conscious awareness. We must rely on other levels of the brain, the frontal cortex which makes conscious decisions, to override the strong emotional/repetitive behavior. They say the frontal cortex has Executive Control over our actions and that is where the rules come in.
So one of my rules is Whole Grains only. I am eating low carb because I am a carb lover - love the bread and pasta. So when I am dining out, this rule saves me. For instance, the other night, I got out the door to go to work without my dinner. When the staff was putting together an order at about 7 pm and I was hungry, I was tempted. They were going to the Mexican place. I looked at the menu and thought I could order a chicken quesadilla with just a little cheese. But they didn't have whole wheat tortillas (I don't like corn) so I did not order. I was hungry, but I ate a snack when I got home.
I was saved by my rules. The other part of this, according to author David Kessler, is that the response must be automatic. The minute you start bargaining or thinking about it you lose the upper hand. It must be a rigid response to "rewire" the brain.
There are more "food rehab" tips I will write about lateer in the week. What are your rules that help your "rehab"?
