6 Week Mindless Eating Challenge Kick-Off & Schedule

As I mentioned last week, reading and implementing what I learned from the book Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink was a real turning point in my weight loss journey.

It was the tipping point that led to achieving the peace with food I’d been seeking while maintaining the Weight Watchers goal weight I’d set back in my late 20s.

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 subconscious cues and environmental triggers that often lead to mindless eating.

The book delves into the ways our eating behaviors are shaped by various external factors such as portion sizes, packaging, plate sizes, food placement, and the social environment in which we consume meals. Wansink discusses how these seemingly minor influences can have a significant impact on our food choices and consumption patterns without our conscious awareness.

Through a combination of scientific studies, experiments, and anecdotes, Wansink presents practical strategies and techniques to help readers become more mindful of their eating habits and make healthier choices. He offers insights on how to restructure your environment to promote better eating habits, develop awareness of portion sizes, manage cravings, and make small changes that can lead to long-term weight management.

The combination of engaging writing style, use of real-world examples, and evidence-based recommendations shined a light for me on all the unconscious psychological factors behind my overeating and provided tons of practical guidance for develop healthier eating habits without any sense of deprivation. It was life-changing. 

 

6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge

Now more than a dozen years later, as I settle in at the scene of this healthy 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 discovered.

While Weight Watchers friendly recipes are important, they are only one part of the equation. Learning how to manage our environment and develop healthy habits are the critical elements of lasting weight loss success.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think helped me see this.

But it’s not enough to just read a book. You have to practice what you discover to rewire the circuits in your brain. Which is 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 read Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think and share our awarenesses and experiences. Every week for six weeks, from July 10 – August 14, we’ll read two chapters a week and share what we learn.

I’ll kick things off every Monday with a post here on Simple Nourished Living, which will provide participants a place to comment with their discoveries, if they’d like.

It seems like a perfect summer project…

A virtual book club, but with homework 🙂

To be most effective, this challenge is best undertaken in a low key “let’s just see what we discover” manner.

No pressure. No way to fail.

But it does provide a bit of accountability if you find it helpful in propelling you into action.

All you need to do to take part is buy the book Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think, by Brian Wansink  (or borrow it from your library).

Here’s the basic schedule:

6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge Schedule

Why I’m Doing This 6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge
Mindless Eating Challenge Kick-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 & Wrap-Up

PS: If you want some support eating better and losing weight this summer, my 28-Day Smart Start Weight Loss Challenge may be just what you’re looking for! Many of the tips and suggestions are based on what I learned by applying Dr. Wansink’s Mindless Eating concepts.

This has been a wonderful challenge. Thank you for all of the support and encouragement. I have definitely made some positive changes that I plan to continue!
~ Bronwyn

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Originally published 7/17; Updated with new photos and content 7/23

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