"I Can't Stop Thinking About Food"

"I Can't Stop Thinking About Food"

We all have days (or weeks, or months) when we can't stop thinking about food. There are certain times of the day that are harder than others, and certain events that make it more challenging. Below are some tips for getting through some of these challenging times.

Challenge #1: Watching Television (especially the commercials) makes most of us want to eat. The food commercials look really good, we get bored, or we are just in the habit of snacking while watching TV.

Solution:

• Press the "mute" button during commercials.
• Keep a “goody box” nearby with things that you can keep you busy (nail file, hand cream, stress ball, a joke book, puzzle book), or call a friend during the commercials.
• If you have DVR with your cable service, then DVR your favorite TV show’s, and fast forward the commercials.

Challenge #2: Missing the smell and taste of your favorite foods.

Solution:

• Plant an herb garden. You can grow herbs on a window sill, outside on a deck, or in your garden. Every morning, take a deep breath and smell the herbs.
• Buy scented candles. They are available in many flavors and scents (even chocolate). When you are craving a treat, smell the candle.

Challenge #3: Being tempted to eat something that is not on your nutrition plan.

Solution:

• Before eating the food, wait 10 minutes, and keep yourself busy during that time. Often in 10 minutes, the craving will go away.
• We are often thirsty rather than hungry, so have a glass of water, wait 10 minutes and see if you are still hungry.

Challenge #4: Getting together with friends is often revolved around food, so you are finding it hard to spend time with others.

Solution:

• Plan times to be with friends that do not include a meal. Plan a shopping trip, go to see a movie, and/or enjoy a walk outdoors.
• Get to know others on the same diet plan. Spend time together doing activities that do not revolve around food.

Many of these tips were provided by a participant at the Center for Medical Weight Loss. If you have any additional ideas that have helped you when you have "food in your thoughts", it would be great to add them to this list.