Impulsive eating (versus compulsive eating)

[Yellobrix]

Last night I read an interesting article about the difference between impulsive and compulsive eating. Briefly, whereas a compulsive eater will eat until full and then feel compelled to keep eating, even to the point of feeling uncomfortably over-full, and impulsive eater makes poor choices sporadically, thus adding excess intake without ever feeling discomfort.

The writer's point was that it's very easy to sabotage one's weight when eating impulsively, often being unaware of the weight gain until a significant number of pounds have been gained.

Impulsive eaters are drawn to "the last one," which is a major trigger. If there's one last cookie, piece of cake, or pizza slice, it is a beacon unto the impulsive eater.

This is me. I can show fantastic discipline in choosing and preparing foods for a solid LC way of eating. I can go for extended periods on-plan. Then, some random moment will arrive and I'll eat something clearly NOT good for me.

Most recently, it was the last piece of cake.

So that brings me to knowing what the issue is and simply being aware that when there's "only one" sitting there, I am in danger. This is a major revelation for me, and perhaps also explains my odd habit of always leaving one bite of food on my plate when I finish eating. For me, it's been a lifetime practice, sort of being defiant about joining the Clean Plate Club. So perhaps some part of me knew?

Anyway, I thought I'd share, because I found it truly relevant for myself - and maybe now when I see "the last one" in a bag in the pantry, I can recognize the trigger and increase my chances of walking away!

[Amber_Baby]

This is so interesting. I am definitely compulsive but currently trying to fight it!!

[ouizoid]

can you link to the article? I'd like to read it.

[rosehip]

Originally Posted by ouizoid

can you link to the article? I'd like to read it.

Me too, please!