Stop Using
Food as a Reward
Using food as a reward is more common than you might think. Many people see certain foods as "taboo" and only eat them when a special occasion comes around or when they have done something important that merits recognition. Associations like these often develop in childhood. If you are ready to change these associations and behaviors, there are a few things you can do.
Instructions
1. Ask yourself why you use food as a reward. Determine if it has to do more with habit or family tradition. Once you understand why you overeat, you can take steps to change your behavior, either alone or with the help of a therapist.
2. Don't reward yourself with food when something goes well. Instead of celebrating a promotion or a winning bid with dinner or dessert, go shopping, visit a spa or sneak out for a movie matinee. Do something nice for yourself that makes you feel great without adding weight.
3. Look for rewards that are long lasting. If you are using food as a reward, the good feelings will stop as soon as you finish the meal. Instead, buy yourself something nice that you can use for a long time and that will remind you of your success every time you see it.
4. Stop rewarding kids with food. Many of the attitudes we have towards food come from childhood. Many parents offer sweets to kids who stop crying or eat their vegetables. Instead, make these "reward" foods a common part of everyday life, so children don't see them as anything special. Just make sure to control the portion sizes.
5. Find fun places near you that aren't restaurants. Many adult social lives revolve almost entirely around eating and drinking. Make it a point to play mini golf, go bowling, take in a play, go to a movie, visit a comedy club or enjoy other types of entertainment that don't focus on food. Your friend s will appreciate being invited to unusual events like these.
6. Avoid situations in which food is made the center of the celebration as much as you can. If you have no choice, such as in the case of office parties or weddings, celebrate and reward yourself by interacting with the people around you or enjoying the music, rather than concentrating on the meal itself.
Tags: food reward, like these, reward yourself, something nice, Stop Using, Stop Using Food