Can Short Distractions Reduce Food Cravings?

Richard Weil, M.Ed. CDE, the director of the Weight Loss Program at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City, conducted a small study on the impact of three short distraction tasks, plus a control task, on 55 obese males and females. On average, participants had an average body mass index of 43.7. meaning they were on average 83 pounds overweight.

The 30-second tasks in Weil’study included forehead tapping, ear tapping, toe tapping and imagining a blank white wall. Forehead-tapping with the participant able to watch in a mirror was 10% more effective than the other distractions like toe tapping or imagining a blank wall. But all distractions were effective in focusing brain activity elsewhere and away from the food craving.

In a second study reported by psychiatrist Dr Kathryn Demos of Brown University, 25 overweight and obese participants were coached to alter their thoughts about a food craving, when shown a picture of it.

Brain scans in the Demos stody confirmed that ignoring the craving or thinking negative thoughts about it, such as the long-term, negative health consequences associated with eating it, had an impact on the pleasure center of the brain.

“We found that simply thinking in a different way affects how the brain responds to tempting food cues in individuals with obesity,” Dr Demos said.

“Our results show the promising possibility that focusing on the long-term consequences of consuming unhealthy foods could help diminish cravings and, as a result, potentially enhance weight-loss efforts.”

Anne here. Anecdotally,  I have engaged in these practices for years, coming to grips with my own cravings as the primary vehicle for controlling my weight. When I see photos of a Big Mac or other fat-drenched burger, my mind says ‘poison’ and I actually have a response of disgust, not desire. 

Brain science suggests that we can employ the same tactics in reprogramming our brains to resist size 0 fashion models as the ‘ideal’ vision of female beauty and a body image we women should regard as aspirational. This AOC article deserves updating, because science clearly is on my side in the assumption that we CAN control our response to advertising and commercial messaging, as well as our own private desires for food and drink. It’s tough going in the beginning, but we CAN do it!

Just Say ‘No’: Programming Your Brain to Hate Size Zero Fashion Ads

Christie Brinkley’s Skin Care Line

Christie Brinkley remains a true beauty at age 60. The top model and businesswoman is long-gone from CoverGirl and will again enter the beauty space with her own range of skincare products, called the Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Collection.

Brinkley — an iconic, late-60s beach babe — will promite her products battling effects of “the sun’s less publicized infrared radiation”, writes Fashionista. Brinkley’s status as a sun goddess give her a strong, recognizable voice with older women on this subject.

The Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Collection will be available at HSN (Home Shopping Network and Kohl’s in March 2015. We’ll be checking for the opportunity to promote it online, as part of our upcoming online shopping venture.

Ashley Graham Navabi Lingerie Collaboration

Model Ashley Graham introduces a new lingerie collaboration with online label Navabi. Bra sizes in the collection range from size 36DD to 44DD. Panties and chemises are sized 10 to 20. Belissima!