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5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Trigger Foods

Nov 07, 2018

 


 

Remember the Golden Age of the TV show Seinfeld?

 

1990-1998.

 

Not to mention the reruns.

 

So many unforgettable moments and sayings that forever impacted our culture:

 

Yada yada yada

Not that there’s anything wrong with that

Double dipping

Festivus

No soup for you!

 

For those of us with food issues (and presumably that’s all of us reading this now) the funny-because-it’s-true scene of George eating an éclair out of a kitchen garbage can brings on equal parts laughing and cringing.

 

We’ve likely all been there at some point—checking that the item in question never touched anything too dirty in the can.

 

Immediately dousing the tempting treat with dish soap or too much salt helps deter this behavior, but the very best way to get out of this sticky situation is never to get into it in the first place.

 

Enter our good friend: Environmental Control.

 

Because, if it’s there, we’ll eat it (eventually).

 

Accepting this reality saves a lot of heartache.

 

Consciously deciding to have a beloved treat is one thing, but mindless eating something just 'cuz it's there, is quite another.

 

To help you discriminate when it’s appropriate to bring a particular food item into the house, ask yourself these 5 questions:

 

  1. Do I really want this?
  2. When will I eat it?
  3. How much will I eat?
  4. Am I willing to accept the number of calories?
  5. Do I still want it?

 

Let’s get even more specific.

 

  1. Do I really want this?
    • If the answer is “no” then we’re done. Put it down and move on.
    • If the answer is “yes” go on to question #2

 

  1. When will I eat it?
    • This is to prompt you to make a specific plan. You’re buying this to enjoy. Knowing where and when will create a sweet anticipation and elevate the experience rather than the guilt and regret filled parking lot binge.

 

  1. How much will I eat?
    • Part of the plan. If you don’t want the whole thing, a plan will be needed to deal with the rest. If that doesn’t feel possible consider buying a smaller amount, or maybe not at all.

 

  1. Am I willing to accept the number of calories?
    • Calculate the number of calories for the whole thing (bag, carton, etc.)
      • If the answer is “no” put it down and move on. The quicker the better.

 

  1. Do I still want it?
    • Final confirmation. If you’ve made it through these questions and you still want it, then you are making a conscious choice—good for you!

 

Going through a list of questions like this when you’re buying something that historically has caused problems or just tickled your fancy while shopping will greatly reduce the likelihood of bringing it in the house in the first place.

 

That’s the environmental control I’m talking about—not having it around at all.

 

Much easier on your psyche than keeping the dish soap close to the trash can.

 

 Catch the video that expands on the theme right here: