So, I just finished reading this awesome book called “The Hunger Habit” by Judson Brewer. It got me thinking a lot about my own eating habits and how I can make some changes.
What’s really cool is that a lot of Brewer’s tips tie in perfectly with Stoic philosophy. I thought I’d share my journey and how combining these two approaches has helped me take control of my eating habits.
My Struggle with Eating Habits
Let me be real with you, I’ve had my fair share of struggles with eating habits.
Whether it’s munching on snacks out of boredom or stress-eating my way through tough days, it’s been a challenge.
These days, it feels like junk food is everywhere. We’re bombarded with sugar, salt, and carbs in everything.
And let’s face it, there’s not a ton of info out there for the average person unless you’re watching a bunch of YouTube videos or reading books like these.
Our job is to protect our bodies and eat healthy, but it’s not always easy.
The Habit Loop
Brewer talks about the habit loop, which is basically a cycle of triggers, behaviors, and rewards. Here’s how it works for me:
- Trigger: Stress from work or feeling bored.
- Behavior: Reaching for snacks or ordering junk food on Uber eats.
- Reward: That brief moment of pleasure from eating.
Realizing this loop was important. It made me see how automatic my eating habits had become. But more importantly, it made me realize that I could change this loop.
How Mindfulness Fits In
How Stoic principles can really help with changing my eating habits:
1. Spotting My Triggers:
- Stay Aware: I started paying more attention to when and why I felt like eating. Was I actually hungry, or was I just stressed or bored?
- Mindful Check: I began asking myself these questions before grabbing a snack.
2. Changing My Response:
- Pause and Think: Before diving into that bag of chips, I’d pause and think, “Do I really need this right now?”
- Find Alternatives: I’d try doing something else instead, like taking a quick walk, calling a friend, practicing deep breathing, or just getting busy with a hobby. This helped me break the automatic response of eating.
3. Finding Better Rewards:
- True Happiness: This philosopy taught me that true happiness comes from living in line with my values, not from temporary pleasures. I started looking for rewards that made me genuinely happy.
- Mindful Joy: I focused on activities that brought real joy and fulfillment, not just a quick fix.
Embracing Temperance
One of the big lessons from Stoicism is temperance, which is all about moderation and self-control.
- Control Cravings: I reminded myself that cravings don’t control me. I have the power to choose my actions.
- Balanced Eating: I started enjoying my food as nourishment rather than a coping mechanism. This helped me find balance in what and how much I eat.
Tips for Mindful Eating (only for a few days)
- Daily Check-In: Set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on my eating habits. I’d think about what triggered my cravings and how I could respond better.
- Eat Mindfully: I slowed down and savored each bite of my food. Being present during meals made a huge difference.
If you’re struggling with your eating habits, I highly recommend giving these approaches a try.
Thanks for reading, and good luck on your journey!
