When it comes to overcoming overeating, remember this simple equation:
Impulse + Opportunity = Overeating
Consider a common situation when people often grab food for impulsive eating: the snack items near the cash register at the grocery store.
Grocery store marketers called these ”impulse items.”
These sneaky marketers realize that you’ll likely grab one without thinking about it if they can just get the items into your sight.
But you can re-train yourself to end impulsive eating with a simple trick.
This trick comes from a question I ask myself when a tempting item comes into my sight.
I used this trick recently after spying some potato chips. My first thought was ”Hmm, I’ll bet those will taste good.”
Then, I smiled to myself because I knew the question was coming.
Here was the question I asked myself, which squashed the impulse:
Were you even thinking about potato chips before you saw them?”
I had to answer ”No.”
I had not been thinking about potato chips before then.
The only reason I wanted them at that moment was because I saw them.
And when that is the case, I do not get them.
You see, I do not want to train myself to act impulsively, which is what responding to the impulse item would have done.
Proverbs 21:5 says
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
So, I want to be diligent to choose my food items and eat them on MY terms. In that way, I can stay healthy!
This trick can even be useful if someone else in your home is buying items that you tend to eat out of impulse.
The first line of defense of course is to keep them out of your sight.
But if you do encounter temptation unexpectedly, then ask yourself, ”Was I even thinking about this food before I saw it?”
If the answer is no, then I suggest you pass on it. You’ll have peace about your choice in the end!
Do you struggle with impulse eating? Please share your thoughts about it in the comments.
Be Blessed in Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor, Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple Program
P.S. Do you have trouble being consistent and losing motivation in your weight loss program? The Take Back Your Temple online program can help you win these battles within!
Your transformation starts when you start to renew your mind. But the enemy won’t like it.
However, Jesus came to give us abundant life. We should never live in bondage to the enemy.
Learn more about living free of food bondage and becoming everything God wants you to be.
Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple weight loss program
Great tip! I will incorporate this question into my “intentional choices” strategy. Thanks, Kimberly!
You are welcome, Shana – God is good!