Speculating on the scientifically proven memory unreliability, the memory specialist Elizabeth Loftus, a professor of psychology at the University of California at Irvine thought of using the technique of false memory induction as a new approach to dieting. And this is how: by inducing false memories about specific foods.
It was proven by scientific studies that under the right circumstances, false memories can be easily ingrafted in some people. Amazing results were obtained from performing such tests and studies on this topic: successfully instilling false memories from plausible false childhood memories (which are easy to instill) and imagination inflation to impossible memories (such as pretense memories from the first year of life - it is known that such memories are impossible from the strictly physiological point of view, because of the insufficient maturation of the hippocampus, which plays a key role in the creation of retrievable memories).
On a study made on a group of students on food preferences, they ranked a range of foods on a scale of one to five. In a second phase the students were shown a presumptive childhood food profile which had been made-up containing false memories of bad experiences during childhood when eating dill pickles or hard-boiled eggs. Ulterior questionning of students on their food memories revealed that 25 percent in the pickle group and 31 percent in the hard-boiled eggs group thought that they had indeed gotten sick from the food as children.
However, most of the subjects didn't fall for the fake memories.
So, a first weak part in applying this technique is thus revealed: only a certain category of people is more susceptible for adopting suggestioned memories as their own. These persons share specific traits such as lapses in memory and attention. Also, people who are adept at visual imagery may be prone to suggestion.
The second soft spot of this theory is that there are limits to influencing eating habits, it cannot be applied for every food. For example, it was proven on a previous study that although suggestioned against potato chips consumption, people could not be convinced to avoid this food. A possible explanation would be the fact that they had plenty of experience with the food.
On the other hand, false memories induction can help influencing not only avoidance of certain foods but also healthy food choices.
Another potential problem that could be generated when applying this "therapy" might be the total exclusion of the targeted food or even food group from one's diet, which cannot be totally convenient.
This ground is still experimental, the theory is being subjected to further study and is still too preliminary to clearly indicate how it might be applied into dieting.
Thinking that memories can be erased or instilled at one's will (usually a psychiatrist's will) generates a great deal of inquietude for many of us. Well, however much the False Memories Syndrome might be a trouble generator, its adjustment for dietary needs would be a very convenient solution for solving some unwanted cravings and a very good helper or even replacement to will training.
Laura Ciocan writes for http://www.dietsindex.com where you can find more information about http://www.dietsindex.com.
Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared; mailto:lauracio@gmail.com.
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..There are several factors in winning at weight loss. Sometimes... Read More
"Life is like a box of chocolates," drawled Forrest Gump.Metaphors... Read More
One of the difficulties with dieting is the well known... Read More
After weight loss surgery it is important to include as... Read More
Let's face when it comes to overweight and obesity there... Read More
Yes, you must be aware of the following 7 points... Read More
Dieters dread the plateau. You're on a roll, losing weight... Read More
1. Start Exercising first thing in the morning.As soon as... Read More
Ah the ever present battle to lose those unwanted pounds.... Read More
Getting enough of the good fats will help you lose... Read More
Compulsive eating is characterized mainly by periods of impulsive bingeing... Read More
The huge companies stealing your money by promising impossible results... Read More
Dieting and Exercising ? Results all the time!To be successful... Read More
If you are a fan of horse racing, you are... Read More
Are you considering a low carb diet? If so you... Read More
The most recent shocking news related to Atkins diet UK... Read More
From the book Spider's Big CatchLike many people, I've decided... Read More
An increasing trend over the last few years has been... Read More
REDUCE YOUR WEIGHTNow you are not very far from losing... Read More
Have you ever received those tempting ads that seem to... Read More
It's the American Dream: "If I could just lose a... Read More
There are certain eating habits that can make you gain... Read More
It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound... Read More
Chant the following each day, several times. They are mantras... Read More
So many people are talking about how slow their metabolism... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..Get to the ROOT of the matter: If the plants... Read More
Two basic approaches to losing weight; one approach is correct... Read More
The cost of gastric bypass surgery and other bariatric surgical... Read More
Do you know anybody who does not wish to get... Read More
Zero Calorie Diet Sodas: Good Or Bad For Weight Loss?Calorie-free... Read More
Dieters dread the plateau. You're on a roll, losing weight... Read More
Although liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic... Read More
How many calories do you need? Well, that depends on... Read More
Ephedra and Ephedrine consumers are still under the assumption that... Read More
We must all now be familiar with the Atkins Diet.... Read More
Ever notice how your best friend can lose weight on... Read More
When was the last time you focused so much on... Read More
Chant the following each day, several times. They are mantras... Read More
There are lots of dieters, trying every sort of plan... Read More
When obesity gets out of hand, unresponsive to dietary, lifestyle... Read More
As a woman, your body is very complex. Throughout every... Read More
WHAT DOES BEING FIT REALLY MEAN?The "INSIDE-OUT" approach to fitness... Read More
I get asked all the time, "what do you think... Read More
Permanent Weight loss is not about Diet. If you are... Read More
As much as many of us who are over-weight do... Read More
Is Zone Diet a Fad?How do you recognize a fad... Read More
A calorie is the unit used to measure the energy... Read More
5 Easy Steps to A Healthier WeightAlthough different people have... Read More
It's been called the world's oldest medicine, the miracle fat... Read More
Digestion is a chemical process. Our body combines different types... Read More
Weight Loss |