Most people have one food that they simply cannot resist. You may have heard these foods referred to as “trigger foods.” Just what is a trigger food? In short, a trigger food is something that, as the name suggests, “triggers” a response in you, one that causes you to not only consume that food but often resort to behaviors that you know are detrimental to your diet, such as binging. For more on what trigger foods are, visit our blog post on the topic, Identifying Your Trigger Foods.
Once you know what trigger foods are, what is the best way to get rid of them? The most effective way to avoid eating trigger foods is to keep them out of your reach in the first place. Here are some strategies to help you rid your kitchen of trigger foods, for good.
Throw Them Away. No, Really.
There’s no need to make removing trigger foods from your daily life any harder than it has to be. If you know what your trigger is, toss it out. Just like that, the deed is done.
Alternately, if the food is fresh or non-perishable, you may also consider donating it to a local food pantry. Baked goods and other dessert items can help someone less fortunate enjoy a birthday or holiday party, while you benefit by removing the item from your vicinity.
Engage in Mindful Eating Habits
By becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the foods you put in your body and how they nourish you, you’ll become less inclined to reach for bad-for-you foods that don’t offer anything in return. By being more conscious about everything entering your body, you’ll be less likely to engage in compulsive eating habits, including purchasing foods that you know should avoid.
When it comes to the process of how to rid your kitchen of trigger foods, the first step is learning to be honest with yourself in properly identifying them. Then, by taking the aforementioned actions, you can slowly begin the process of regaining control over your eating habits. Share your intention to adopt better eating habits with anyone you live with, particularly if they handle the grocery shopping. The first step in combating consumption of trigger foods is to remove them from your immediate environment.
If years of consuming trigger foods has caused you to experience reduced health and increased weight, WeightWise Bariatric Program may be able to help. Consider attending one of our Free Seminars to learn more about what bariatric surgery can do to enhance your health and well-being.