You’re eating again, but you’re not hungry. Are you asking yourself “I shouldn’t want this, I sure don’t need it, so why am I eating it?” Relax, you’re not alone. Many people are frustrated with themselves because they’re sabotaging their weight loss efforts. Don’t beat yourself up. And, don’t let unnecessary eating derail your TAIslim 90 Day Challenge goal. You can get back on track and stay there.
Understanding why you are eating and being able to curtail that behavior depends on your ability to recognize eating triggers. A trigger is something that stimulates an action. Foods, feelings and environments can trigger some people to overeat.
Trigger Foods
Specific foods that incite overeating, or trigger foods, spark loss of control and excessive consumption. Most common trigger foods are sweet (ice cream, baked goods), salty (chips, fries), comfort, and those you haven’t had in a long time. To help manage trigger foods, determine which food(s) you react to and avoid them altogether.
Trigger Feelings
Emotional eating is triggered by a good or bad emotion. For instance, when you’re stressed, angry, elated, or sad, food is how you deal with the emotion. You eat whenever you experience certain feelings. What you eat doesn’t matter, any available food will do. Isolate the emotion(s) causing the overeating and learn how to cope with that feeling without using food
Trigger Environments
Overeating can be prompted by a specific place or situation. Common trigger environments are movie theaters, restaurants − especially buffets, sporting events, vacations, and social settings. What you’re doing, where you are, and who you’re with may drive you to over indulge on food. Avoid places and situations that trigger you to eat. If going to the movies is a trigger for you, opt for other forms of entertainment, preferably ones that don’t serve food.
Your heightened awareness about what is influencing your behavior is your best defense against the trigger eating that can thwart your Challenge progress.
