Bring the Pain!

If you've ever read any of Anthony Robbins' books or seen any of his videos, or attended any of his seminars, then you know he talks a lot about pleasure and pain. He thinks humans will do just about anything to avoid pain. Basically, if you associate enough pain with your bad habits, you will eventually stop your bad habits in order to avoid the pain. I've been trying to apply some of his principles in my life, especially regarding diet, but it's hard to figure out what pain to associate with overeating. I know there's high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, etc. that can be associated with obesity and overeating. However, since I just had a full physical and do not currently have any of those health issues; it's hard to associate that kind of pain to making the wrong food choices.

So, how do I bring the pain? Well, last night I had the pleasure of celebrating my mother's birthday with my mother and sister. We went to 350 Grill, a new, trendy restaurant in town, and had a very nice dinner. We shared two tapas, had our individual meals, and individual desserts. I ordered the duck, which came in about 5 pieces that were arranged decoratively around a pillar of rice and spinach. I was full after eating the first piece of duck. Four pieces of duck, a little rice and spinach, and a peanut butter torte later, I was ready to be rolled out of the restaurant. I was ridiculously uncomfortable and my stomach hurt! Everyone else at the table seemed to be eating sensibly. They each had take home containers. But for some reason I just kept eating! As a result I was in serious pain and was uncomfortable even hours later. I tossed and turned all night and when I woke up today I still felt bloated.

I think I found the pain! I will associate the discomfort I felt last night and the discomfort I feel right now just thinking about last night, with making bad food choices. Hopefully it will serve as a deterrent from eating when I know I'm full. Time will tell!