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.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carATTITUDESIT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!Exercising has so many physical benefits that... Read More
This is a layman marketer's observations on diets and weight... Read More
It all begins with water .... Water makes up 75%... Read More
ObesityToday, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are... Read More
Gastric bypass patients face a great task in the following... Read More
Some Say I'm Strange. I Prefer to Think of Myself... Read More
I just finished working my quads on a weight machine.... Read More
Gastric bypass patients often find themselves regaining weight soon after... Read More
At its most basic, dieting is about burning more calories... Read More
One Reality TV show, The Swan, thrives on makeovers. Often... Read More
1. Carrying around excess body fat will decrease your energy... Read More
Tip 1) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACKThis... Read More
There are as many reasons you've given yourself to eat... Read More
If all we have to do is exercise to live... Read More
There are currently over 100 billion dollars sold in weight-loss... Read More
How to burn fat fast is a question that burns... Read More
So you're overweight, "fat"--to be honest--and you want to start... Read More
Why was the FDA trying to hide the facts about... Read More
We all know that weight loss is important. We know... Read More
At the University of Illinois, a new research found that... Read More
Yesterday evening my computer hard drive crashed. Resulting in the... Read More
Infrared Radiant Heat (IRRH) is a form of radiation that... Read More
In this series of articles, you will learn exactly how... Read More
Offer a woman the choice between a dress she likes... Read More
Changing our eating behaviour is one of the critical lifestyle... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Ever heard of the expression, "Getting up on the wrong... Read More
The vast majority of postpartum women will not return to... Read More
The weight loss protein debate centers around the effectiveness of... Read More
Let's face facts; obesity is ripe today in America and... Read More
Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More
Before you even think of taking diet pills to lose... Read More
Permanent Weight loss is not about Diet. If you are... Read More
Do you compete in sports for weight loss or fat... Read More
If you knew when you were going to die, would... Read More
Weight loss plans come in all shapes and sizes. Some... Read More
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity... Read More
Losing weight is a lifelong commitment. It takes patience and... Read More
I'm sure you already know that weight loss and improved... Read More
"Life would be perfect if only I was thin." That... Read More
What is "too young" to begin a weight loss program... Read More
Once upon a time, I fretted about going to a... Read More
Among the most popular forms of dieting is the South... Read More
In our never ending search for the illusive "Fountain of... Read More
The pursuit of a healthier me (or you) shouldn't involve... Read More
When the DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health Education Act) was passed... Read More
Getting Kids Moving - Help for Overweight TeensA residential school... Read More
There is no question that having a massage makes you... Read More
Just because you're working hard, doesn't mean that you're working... Read More
Losing Weight is All About Counting Calories/Carbs and Exercising. Or... Read More
If you've been on a low carb diet for any... Read More
Weight Loss |