4 Ways to Beat the See-Food Trap
Yesterday you learned the “see-food diet” is REAL.
And that LOOKING at food, especially pictures of highly palatable foods (like desserts), can activate our desire to eat, even in the absence of true physiological hunger.
That it’s NOT a matter of weak will. Our hunger is ARTIFICIALLY activated…
But we can deactivate the stimulus and use this vulnerability to our advantage too!
In Sight, In Mind
The more visible and reachable a food is, the more likely you are to eat it.
For example, research shows if you have cereal on your kitchen counter, you’ll weigh 21 pounds more than your neighbor who doesn’t.
Similarly, secretaries with a clear candy dish eat 71% more candy!!
The more we see it, the more we have to expend willpower.
And eventually the temptress wins... “Well, okay, just this once...”
NOT seeing the temptation at all is easier than resisting, right?
I asked our members, “Ever get caught in the see-food trap?"
Avoiding the See-Food Trap
Wrap your kryptonite (and any unhealthy food) in foil.
Whether it’s ice cream in the freezer or your spouse’s leftover ham and cheese sandwich in the fridge, cover it with foil.
Keep cereal and other easy-to-eat items OFF your counter.
Eliminate (or severely reduce) visible food. Shove it into your pantry.
Lastly, reduce your interaction and exposure to food porn.
You already know searching around for recipes (and looking at food pics) can make you overeat. AVOID extra temptation and false cues by having Meal Mentor provide a custom menu for you each week.
Pre-selected recipes saves you time *and* limits your “cue” exposure!
Using “Eat with Your Eyes” Vulnerability In Your Favor
Store food you want your family to eat (i.e. fruits) in highly visible areas.
Put less healthy items in the fridge drawers and on lower shelves.
Place healthy snacks like pre-cut vegetables in clear containers.
Store your prepared meals in clear containers, front and center.
My husband often “forgot” I cooked our meals ahead, and would make a PB&J or open a can of beans. This frustrated me and I wondered if it was my dark-topped tupperware.
IT WAS! As soon as I switched to a see-through top, my husband never “forgot” again. He ate my prepared meal plan meals daily!
I’d even sometimes hear him say “Yess!” excited to “find” one of the options!!
P.S. I use an 18-piece Glasslock set and love it! The containers can go straight in the oven or microwave for easy reheating +++ less work and cleanup too!