How do I become a mindful savourer instead of a greedy guzzler?

[redtinbin]

So I have a horrendous sweet tooth which I really struggle with. I don't want to cut out all treats and to be honest my basic diet is actually really healthy. I cook most things from scratch, eat a wholefood vegetarian diet, I go to the gym 3 times a week, walk most days, do yoga and strength training. However I love sugary treats and cola. Its my downfall.

I can easily eat two or three chocolate bars in a day or drink a couple of cans of coke or eat multiple biscuits with my tea. I want to stop and to be able to savour a nice chocolate or single treat with my tea without immediately reaching for another!

How do I stop being a guzzler and become a savourer?

Me and DH fell into the bad habit of having chocolate, biscuits or cakes every evening, and of course when we didn't have it we were craving it. We went cold turkey - no chocolate etc in the house so we couldn't eat it, and reduced our carb intake generally at the same time. After 3 weeks my sugar/carb addiction was broken and I no longer feel I have to have something sweet after my tea. Last night my DH and DS shared a 4 pack of doughnuts and I just wasn't bothered. It hasn't worked as well for my DH but he's still cut down a lot. I stick to it by:

Having a strict rule that biscuits etc aren't left lying around in the living room.

Always having a bottle of Aldi/Lidl "Bailey's" in the cupboard, and telling myself if I still want a treat later I'll have a glass - I usually don't bother.

Have a look at my AMA on remedial hypnosis - either that or traditional hypnotherapy should be able to break the emotional link with the chocolate/cola.

A lot less, I hate dark chocolate. 😝

@Eyesopenwideawake Thank you I will!

Perhaps I'll try a reset avoid it all for a while and then try to go back to a less compulsive habit?

@redtinbin one more tip, not read the full thread so not sure if someone has mentioned it yet - but I find that meditation always makes me eat more mindfully after. Even if you manage 10 minutes a day, I find I notice that food tastes so much better and I eat much more mindfully after.

@19751974P Thank you, I'm always wanting to implement a mediation habit so that is great motivation!

@redtinbin It worked for me, but I'm in my 60s and I don't eat as much now I'm older. When I was younger juggling work, childcare and housework it mightve been more difficult - in my 30s I would've had to raid the biscuit barrel after just reading the first page of this thread!
Now it's like I'm getting a hungry feeling, but my brain just ignores it.

Could you have all the ‘healthy’ snacks and use the suggestions during the week (some great suggestions, btw) and go back to having the coke and chocolate just at the weekend, so it is exactly like when your dad bought it for you?

@MagpiePi Yeah I think that would be the best option actually. I am going to try all of the suggestions actually I've had some great help here!

I've not read the full thread sorry, so it may have already been mentioned.

I listen to hypnotherapy at night to fall asleep, mainly focusing on beating sugar addiction and it's made a massive difference!

Oh do you mind sharing what you use, was it made for you personally or is it something I can buy off the shelf?