If you have watched any TV in the last few weeks you have probably seen the ads for the new television show airing Sunday nights on TLC. I am skeptical of anyone who makes a blanket claim so, of course, the DVR was set to record the show. Following are observations of his techniques and things I have learned about myself since tuning in to watch the UK's most popular self-help guru.
I have read that Mr. McKenna is also a hypnotist and since I am uneasy with anything that promotes not being aware of how/what/when/why and how I am behaving, I am even more skeptical. I have not seen any indication in the first two shows that hypnosis will be used, but imagery is used extensively, which is a 'no-no' for some religious beliefs.
The first show was devoted to Mr. McKenna's four golden rules. They are simple to follow, most of the time. The rules are: When you are hungry, eat; Eat what you want; Eat consciously and Stop eating when you think you are full. Sounds too good to be true so I decided to put these ridiculous rules to the test. After all, we all know you can't eat what you want to eat and lose weight, right?
The hardest rule to swallow (pun intended) is rule three; eat consciously. Mr. McKenna instructs me not to eat in front of the TV, computer (darn!), while reading (double darn) or anywhere else that will keep me from slowing down and tasting my food. His instructions include putting down eating utensils between bites and chewing longer. I made an Arby's sandwich last 20 minutes the other day!
In the second show Mr. McKenna showed the audience techniques to ward off cravings by handling feelings with exercises designed to destress the brain. He showed how to tap on acupuncture points to relieve stress and cravings. In an upcoming show Mr. McKenna will be sharing techniques to make the foods we most crave not seem so appealing. These techniques do involve imagery.
By watching the show you will find out what kind of eater you are. Most guests on the show describe their eating as emotional. They eat when happy, sad, under stress. Maybe I do that a little bit but for the most part I have found that I am more of a reward eater, meaning I eat when I am finished with whatever my goals were for that period of time. I don't remember food being offered as a reward when I was a child, but we were members of the 'clean plate club'. I think I may just be a bit of a grazer also since I have noticed I eat less when I ask myself if I am really hungry.
How important is food to me? I have figured that eating is a pretty boring activity if I follow Mr. McKenna's rules. It just isn't the same without a companion activity. That grilled cheese sandwich I had at lunch today just wasn't as satisfying, although, the cheese, eaten at a slower pace than usual, tasted good. I love to read. Reading is not a more pleasant activity when I have something to munch on but eating is more fun when I have a book in one hand.
I am curious to see for myself if Mr. McKenna's claims will work for me. Anybody else out there taking his challenge? Let me know what you think.
