As I mentioned last week, reading and implementing what I learned from Brian Wansink’s book Mindless Eating was a real turning point in my weight loss journey.
6 Week Mindless Eating Challenge
This was the tipping point that allowed me to achieve peace with the food I craved while maintaining the Weight Watchers goal weight I set in my late twenties.
About the book, Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
In “Mindless Eating”, Brian Wansink explores the factors that influence our eating habits and contribute to overeating. Wansink, a former professor of consumer behavior at Cornell University, draws on his extensive research in the field of food psychology to shed light on the unconscious cues and environmental triggers that often lead to mindless eating.
The book looks at how our eating behaviors are shaped by various external factors such as portion size, packaging, plate size, food placement, and the social environment in which we consume meals. Wansink explains how these seemingly minor influences can significantly impact our food choices and eating habits without us being aware of them.
Through a combination of scientific studies, experiences and anecdotes, Wansink presents practical strategies and techniques to help readers become more aware of their eating habits and make healthier choices. It offers ideas on how to restructure your environment to promote better eating habits, develop awareness of portion size, manage cravings, and make small changes that can lead to long-term weight management.
The combination of an engaging writing style, use of real-world examples, and evidence-based recommendations enlightened me about all of the unconscious psychological factors behind my overeating and provided me with tons of practical advice for developing healthier eating habits without any feelings of deprivation. It was life changing.
6 Week Mindless Eating Challenge
Now, over a dozen years later, as I settled into the scene of this wholesome exploration (Land O’ Lakes, WI), I thought it would be fun to create a 6 week mindless eating challenge to help others experience what I have discovered.
While Weight Watchers friendly recipes are important, they’re only part of the equation. Learning to manage our environment and developing healthy habits are essential elements of sustainable weight loss.
Eating Without Thinking: Why We Eat More Than We Realizehelped me see that.
But just reading a book is not enough. You need to practice what you learn to rewire your brain circuits. That’s what this challenge is all about.
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
~Confucius
For this challenge, we will all readEating Without Thinking: Why We Eat More Than We Realize and share our knowledge and experiences. Every week for six weeks, from July 10 to August 14, we will read two chapters a week and share what we learn.
I’ll kick things off every Monday with an article here on Simple Nourished Living, which will provide participants with a place to comment on their findings, if they wish.
Sounds like a perfect summer project…
A virtual book club, but with homework 🙂
To be most effective, this challenge is best tackled in a low-key “let’s see what we find out” way.
No pressure. No question of failing.
But it does provide a bit of accountability if you find it helpful in propelling you into the action.
To participate, simply purchase the book Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think, by Brian Wansink (or borrow it from your library).
Here is the basic program:
6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge Timeline
- Why I’m Doing This 6 Week Mindless Eating Challenge
- Mindless Eating Challenge Kicks Off
- Week #1: July 10 – Chapters 1 & 2
- Week #2: July 17 – Chapters 3 & 4
- Week #3: July 24 – Chapter 5 & 6
- Week #4: July 31 – Chapters 7 & 8
- Week #5: August 7 – Chapters 9 & 10
- Week #6: August 14 – Appendix B and Recap
PS: If you’re looking for help eating better and losing weight this summer, my 28-Day Smart Start Weight Loss Challenge might be just what you’re looking for! Many of the tips and suggestions are based on what I’ve learned applying Dr. Wansink’s Mindless Eating concepts.
It was a formidable challenge. Thanks for all the support and encouragement. I have definitely made some positive changes that I plan to continue!
~Bronwyn
Martha is the Founder and Principal Content Writer of Simple-Nourished-Living.
A longtime WW on purpose, she’s committed to balancing her love of food and her desire to stay slim while enjoying life and helping others do the same.
She is the author of 28 Day Smart Start Weight Loss Challenge.
A huge slow cooker fan and cookbook addict, when she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll likely find Martha on her yoga mat.
Learn more about Martha McKinnon
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Originally published 7/17; Updated with new photos and content 7/23
The 6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge kick-off and timeline appeared first on Simple Nourished Living.
