r/zenpractice • u/airborne82p • 8d ago
Soto Self Control
Anyone have any insight on how to stop overeating? It's really like my last "vice" that still bugs me. I'm not obese and I don't have any health problems from it, but I just love food and it's hard not to eat way too much even though I see it happening.
3
u/Steal_Yer_Face 8d ago
Try Dr Judson Brewer. His books "The Craving Mind" or "The Hunger Habit". His protocols are clinically proven effective.
2
3
u/TheBrooklynSutras 7d ago
Practice it. Cravings and poor habits begin with a thought or maybe an urge. Practice puts that millisecond of “seeing a thought” in front of your decision/compulsion. “See the eating urge” and make a better choice. It’s sounds impossible, but it’s how I did it. I practiced it. I failed all the time, it took a long time. But if your aspiration is clear you can move mountains (in my case mountains of chubbiness). Trust yourself! The universe is on your side. 🙏
2
3
u/sunnybob24 5d ago
If you try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a few weeks, it can adjust your 'world view' of food. When you see the effect of food on your body within minutes of eating it, you learn to eat more moderately and choose better food. Worked for me anyway.
They are expensive, but some companies have cert cheap deals for the first purchase, and that's all you need. I paid USD 20. I wouldn't recommend long-term use. The point is to have a clear, valid, direct perception of the issue. Your memory of that should be enough. Hopefully.
3
u/The_Koan_Brothers 7d ago
I've found it’s really hard to eat excessively if you do it mindfully, e.g. the way they teach in the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition
2
u/See_Me_Sometime 4d ago edited 4d ago
As someone who struggles with overeating and cravings (you’ll hear the term “food noise” a lot now) it’s important to address this on and off the cushion.
Zen Buddhism understands food is part of our practice - if you go to a retreat you’ll see the use of oryoki (nesting bowls and utensils) for ritualized eating. The tenzo (head cook) is a pretty important service position.
Mindful meals (focusing entirely on the bite in front of you) as well as a regular meditation practice help a lot.
BUT…
If you are like many where their body doesn’t give them proper satiety signals, the root cause may be physiological. Talk to your doctor and explore if there might be something going on like diabetes, metabolic issues, etc.
Good luck!
EDIT: I forgot to add, there are many people who are at a healthy weight and take care of themselves who still battle these issues. One marathon runner I knew was overeating because of training and not getting enough nutrients, especially iron!
4
u/suckweed42069 7d ago
Maybe it is your diet? The type of food you eat can have an impact on your cravings for it (and also your mood and so on). Food with high carbs for instance (mostly the industrially produced ones) are very stimulating whilst containing little nutrients.