8 replies to this topic

[SweetDreams]

One of my friends recommended a book by Martha Beck called the 4-Day Win. It's about retraining yourself by setting small daily goals with a small reward at the end of each day and a larger one at the end of 4 days. According to the author, studies show that anything we've done more than 3 times is something we consider ourselves to be proficient at. She breaks it down into ways to build healthier eating habits.

I have to admit that I just couldn't get myself to do the exercises, but what I enjoyed most about this book are the stories about some of the different studies that have been done regarding the psychological aspects of food, weight, addictions, etc. One story in particular caught my interest. It was a study with rats that they had been feeding morphine laced water in order to make them addicts. Then they gave them a choice of nice sweet sugary plain water or morphine laced water. At that point they would have severe withdrawl if they didn't have morphine, so they always went for the drugs.

Then they put a toy in the cage with one of the rats, and noticed that he drank less of the morphine water as he palayed with the toy. So they put more toys in, and as predicted, he drank less. They realized that the more interested he was in playing with the toy, the less interested he was in being drugged, because it interfered with his playing. So, they built an elaborate Rat Park filled with cool tunnels and wheels to run around in and all sorts of fun rat toys. And as they added rats to the Rat Park, they all would ween themselves off of the morphine, withdrawl symptoms and all, in order to be able to play more.

So, the theory is, if surround ourselves with really enjoyable activities that we can do instead of eating, then we will turn less and less to food for comfort. And when I think about it, it's so true. I don't even notice I'm hungry sometimes when I'm engrossed in an activity that I love. The trick is to do more of those kinds of things. I joined a knitting class (because I've always wanted to know how to knit, and you can't knit and eat at the same time), and I'm teaching myself to make gum paste flowers, and I've went to our library's annual book sale and picked up a bunch of books for 25 cent each. That should keep me busy for a while.

What things can you think of that you love, or think you might love, to do that would help with the times that you are eating for comfort rather than nutrition?

[Jillian B.]

Denise,
I love this post. I also do activities that involve my hands. I am getting back into knitting and plan to take a class soon to learn to crochet. I also make jewelry. I try to do these while I am watching TV so I can keep my hands busy instead of mindlessly munching. I have been brainstorming different classes I can take that don't involve food. Last year I took a few wine courses and baking courses, and while I loved both of them, I don't want to be near the temptation on non JC food. I am looking forward to see other's replies.
- Jill

[SweetDreams]

Oy! I have a friend that makes the most gorgeous jewelry! That's another thing that I think would be great fun to do.

I'm surprised I didn't hook a few more people to throw out some ideas. Hmm...maybe "Building a Rat Park" isn't an exactly appealing title for this topic.

Come on gang... what kinds of things do you love to do that keep you so occupied that you don't even think about food? There's an awfully creative bunch of people here, so I know there's bound to be some interesting stuff!

[mob2011]

Denise

What a fantastic post and the study about rats very interesting.

You can knit and eat at same time if you use your needle as a spear but then your sweater smells like cheese so I wouldn't suggest it

Keep those hands busy!!!!!

Have a fantastic day and weekend and thank you for a great thread... very interesting !!

Dawn


PS I wonder if these were the same rats they dressed in polyester leisure suits when they did that cancer study on polyester???

[Blessed4Life2]

Oy! I have a friend that makes the most gorgeous jewelry! That's another thing that I think would be great fun to do.

I'm surprised I didn't hook a few more people to throw out some ideas. Hmm...maybe "Building a Rat Park" isn't an exactly appealing title for this topic.

Come on gang... what kinds of things do you love to do that keep you so occupied that you don't even think about food? There's an awfully creative bunch of people here, so I know there's bound to be some interesting stuff!

Love this thread Denise.

Since I have a grandson coming in Dec I have been pretty busy making a fun activity blankie for him w/his name and all.....still have a ways to go yet. I have also been really enjoying myself while decorating his room......interior decorating is passion of mine, and when any family/friends need their homes/offices remodeled I am there......and boy do they take advantage of my passion....lol.......which is just fine, I love it!

[Jillian B.]

You can knit and eat at same time if you use your needle as a spear but then your sweater smells like cheese so I wouldn't suggest it

Dawn - I am still laughing over this statement. Had never really thought of doing that, but I could see how it would work. You could have dual fondue/ knitting parties using that strategy. Thank you for the laugh.

[mob2011]

Dawn - I am still laughing over this statement. Had never really thought of doing that, but I could see how it would work. You could have dual fondue/ knitting parties using that strategy. Thank you for the laugh.

Awww Bless your Heart.... I think life is so much fun and sometimes us humans are just so darn serious! haha It's fun living in Dawnville where my head resides and I see things in a fun vision and LOVE it when someone smiles and laughs so you my dear just made my night !!!!!

OMG want to share a fantastic way to upgrade your chocolate cake dessert ... ::: blond moment ::: sorry for the quick change in subject... BUT.... just had my chocolate cakes.. I kept them frozen and sliced them in thirds sideways... and placed them nicely around a nice plate and tossed a dab (okay I think it was more of a dallop) of fat free cool whip in the center of the plate and OMG it was just beautiful and deliciousssssssss. At some point you will be having your chocolate cake... try it... you will loveeeee it !!!

::: sips my tea now with a really satisfied chocolate glow about me :::::


Have a great night Jillian... I love your name !

Dawn

[katpooh]

I love this topic and it is so true. I love to create handmade greeting cards and it is virtually impossible to eat while doing that if you don't want greasy fingerprints (from potato chips) or splotches of food on your work. Thanks for the story!

[mob2011]

I love this topic and it is so true. I love to create handmade greeting cards and it is virtually impossible to eat while doing that if you don't want greasy fingerprints (from potato chips) or splotches of food on your work. Thanks for the story!

How incredibly special it must be to get one of your greeting cards!!!!!! Those are the best cards in the world when someone makes it especially for you.

Definitely the grease spots would be a distraction ;(

Dawn