During our diet group this week, we wanted to have our dieters benefit from each others’ wisdom. Brenda began by talking about a sticky situation she found herself in over Mother’s Day. That morning she was extremely busy so she skipped breakfast, and by the time she got to her planned Mother’s Day brunch, she was starving. Brenda started out well, by eating the chicken and salad she had planned, but then when she was offered a hamburger, she ended up eating it – while standing up.
Maria, our champion of “putting yourself first” (discussed on Day 8 of The Beck Diet Solution), gave Brenda the following advice: she started by reminding Brenda how crucial it is to eat breakfast 365 days a year. Even when she’s busy or stressed, Maria always makes time to eat breakfast because she knows that skipping it will only set herself up to overeat later in the day (Day 2).
Maria also talked about how good she has gotten at turning down food that other people offer her. Maria, herself, went to several of her family members’ houses this Mother’s Day, and was offered food at each one. Because she had already eaten breakfast and knew what she was going to eat for lunch, Maria firmly turned down all offers of food and instead drank only coffee – and she felt great about doing so. She didn’t let herself give into the sabotaging thought, “It’s ok to eat this because it’s a celebration.” Maria reminded Brenda of how good and empowering it feels when you are strong and stick to your diet.
Lastly, Maria reminded Brenda that you can’t let yourself slip up on the basics, like eating everything slowly, while sitting down, and noticing every bite (Day 5). Chances are if Brenda had forced herself to sit down and face the hamburger, she might have been able to really notice what she was doing and talk herself out of eating unplanned food.