Could False Memories Be An Efficient Diet Helper?

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 the most popular diets and diet aids.

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.

---

Weight Loss Methods

On the market at any given time, there are hundreds... Read More

Weight Loss During Holidays: What to Do With Leftovers?

If I Want to Lose Weight, What Can I Do... Read More

Lose Weight NOW! - The Truth or Consequences Diet?

If you knew when you were going to die, would... Read More

Weight Gain = Poor Quality of Life

Gaining up to 20 pounds over four years can significantly... Read More

Savoring Moments Through Mindful Eating

We all eat. But how mindful are we of every... Read More

The 4 Secrets to Weight Loss Success the Diet Books Don?t Tell You

Weight loss plans come in all shapes and sizes. Some... Read More

Weigh Loss and your Self Image ? Are You Worthy to Feel Better?

Maybe you losing weight comes down to the simple question,... Read More

Can I Eat Sugar Alcohols On My Low Carb Diet?

"Polyols" or sugar alcohols are a number of different carbohydrates... Read More

Is Natural Weight Loss Really Possible?

Natural Weight Loss Is PermanentOnly natural weight loss can be... Read More

Weight Loss NOW! The Soft Drink Diet

In the early nineties doctors were beginning to see the... Read More

Lose Weight Permanently And Maximize Health With New Diet & Exercise Habits

I'm sick of all the fad diets I see people... Read More

Does It Matter If You Are Overweight?

Everywhere we look in the western world we are inundated... Read More

Weight Loss Myths Exposed

As a weight loss coach I speak will people regularly... Read More

Diet & Weight Loss Tips: How To Stop Eating Junk Food By Finding Your Craving Hour

Even if you're not overweight, you still could have a... Read More

The Fail-Safe Weight Loss Formula

Yes Virginia, the fail-safe weight loss formula exists.It's so simple,... Read More

No Thanks, Sweety: Im Losing Weight

Dealing with your sweet-tooth can be one of the greatest... Read More

When a Parent has WLS: What to Tell Our Chubby Children

We know that children are becoming obese at an alarming... Read More

Why Do We Cheat On Our Diets?

If only we could solve this question, the world (for... Read More

Making Diets Work -- How to Finally Lose Weight and Keep it Off

Name a diet...any diet. It doesn't work. Try to name... Read More

The Milk Diet -- Is it Your Solution for Losing Weight?

For sometime now, you've been hearing about the Milk Diet... Read More

EFT for Weight Loss - How to Stop Eating from Fear of Not Getting Your Share

Do You Sometimes Eat Because You're Afraid You'll "Miss Out"... Read More

Yoga As An Aid To Weight Loss

Yoga is wonderful for nurturing a state of mental and... Read More

Weight Loss: Weight Loss is All in Your Mind!

"The kind of thoughts that you plant in your mind,... Read More

Who Said Low Carb Diets Ever Meant No-Carb?

A little information if often a dangerous thing... and many... Read More

Rapid Weight Loss - Is It Healthy and Does It Work?

It is important that the public not only understand the... Read More

Managing Cravings with EFT

There are several ways to manage cravings. You can: ... Read More

Dumping Syndrome: The Dirty Secret Gastric Bypass Patients Keep

Dumping syndrome is an effective result of the gastric bypass... Read More

Obesity - The Number 1 Health Issue in the US

Obesity is quickly becoming the number one health issue confronting... Read More

All Natural Weight Loss Secrets Revealed

There are tons of fad diets and weight loss schemes... Read More

Using The Glycemic Index To Lose Weight After Pregnancy

The vast majority of postpartum women will not return to... Read More

Losing Weight is Like Eating Ice Cream

"Life is like a box of chocolates," drawled Forrest Gump.Metaphors... Read More

7 Keys for Reducing Calories While Eating Out

Here are seven tips for getting the calories out of... Read More

Basic Approaches To Weight Management

Being over weight is usually being 20 percent or more... Read More