----- Original Message -----
From: "Jamie Ellis" <jamiecatlady5@...>
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 5:56 AM
Subject: OffTrack Is Your Brain Making You Eat?


> FEATURE ARTICLE:
>
> Is Your Brain Making You Eat?
> by Katie Jay, MSW, CTA-certified Life Coach
> www.nawls.com
>
> According to Dave Krueger, MD, Professional Coach,
> www.MentorPath.com, repetition of behavior is comforting
> because it's secure and familiar, and we like to know what
> to expect. He says we substitute familiarity for happiness.
> Does that describe you?
>
> Is Your Neurology in Charge?
>
> You have well worn neural networks in your brain that get
> triggered. When you see a food that used to be a regular
> part of your diet, your brain knows what to do with it
> "without thinking." In fact, Dave Krueger points out that
> your brain likes not having to make a decision about something
> every time it comes up. So, without making a decision, your
> brain automatically says, "Eat it!"
>
> That's right. No need to make a decision -- you have a
> well-established brain pattern that makes it easy to pick
> up that food and eat.
>
> Then, of course, your well-worn guilt and shame neural network
> gets triggered. And your brain knows how to take you down that
> pathway, too.
>
> The reality is, your brain is not in charge. It is simply
> following the well-worn path. But hear this! You can change
> your brain.
>
> Start Digging!
>
> To change how you behave around food, you will need to create
> new neural networks. That's like digging a new path, instead
> of allowing yourself to go down the familiar old path.
>
> Digging a new path is hard work. You have to have the right
> tool (a shovel, not a spoon!). You have to know where you
> want it to go and you might even have to buy a new map. Of
> course, you'll probably sweat. It just won't be as much fun
> as skipping down the old path.
>
> Learn to Accept Change as a Constant
>
> To truly get beyond old eating patterns, you will need to
> change. Accepting that you need to change is the first step.
>
> Understanding that change will require you to be uncomfortable
> for awhile is the next step.
>
> To tolerate change, you will develop a neural network that
> accepts change and welcomes the loss of old patterns.
>
> You can do this using positive self talk. Remind yourself
> frequently that the discomfort you are feeling is temporary,
> and that eventually your new pattern will be a well-worn path.
>
> Tolerate Extreme Success
>
> I don't want to weigh anything close to 331 pounds again!
>
> To maintain my goal weight, I have to override all kinds of
> urges to follow my well-worn path, my "eat-whatever-is-in-
> front-of-me path."
>
> When I am confronted with an invitation to go down the old
> path I stop and consider where I want to wind up.
>
> Then, I get out my shovel and start digging. My new path is
> coming along quite nicely, even if it's the hardest work
> I've ever done.
>
> Construction Projects Take a Long Time
>
> You're probably thinking 21 days should be enough to change
> your path. Well, it is not. That amount of time is enough to
> make a great start. After three weeks, you certainly are
> getting used to going down the new path. But, the path isn't
> complete. It's still easy to turn back. The long, well-worn
> path will take a long time to create.
>
> It's Worth Every Drop of Sweat, Isn't it?
>
> Your goals to be healthy and to live a better life are within
> reach. You wouldn't have had weight loss surgery if you were
> not wanting big changes. So, be diligent and keep digging.
>
> Visualize the completed pathway -- with a smooth walkway and
> many exciting destinations.
>
> You Are not Alone
>
> The nicest thing about this amazing project is you don't have
> to go through it alone. Many people are in the process of
> overcoming obesity, and they are available to share your
> journey, to encourage you, to cheer you on, and to comfort
> you.
>
> Happy digging this week!
>
> Katie
> ____________________________
> Take Care,
> Jamie
> 100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY
> 320(preop)/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
> Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com
> http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/
> "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided
to see beyond the imperfections!"
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
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>
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