As I mentioned last week, reading and implementing what I learned from the book Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink was a real turning point in my weight loss journey.
6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge
It was the tipping point that led to achieving the peace with food I'd been seeking while maintaining the Weight Watchers goal weight I'd set back in my late 20s.
6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge
Now seven years later, as I settle in at the scene of this healthy exploration (Land O' Lakes, WI), I thought it would be fun to create a 6-week Mindless Eating Challenge to help others experience what I discovered.
While Weight Watchers friendly recipes are important, they are only one part of the equation. Learning how to manage our environment and develop healthy habits are the critical elements of lasting weight loss success.
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think (affiliate link) helped me see this.
But it's not enough to just read a book. You have to practice what you discover. Which is what this challenge is all about.
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
~ Confucius
For this challenge, we will all read Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think (affiliate link) and share our awarenesses and experiences. Every week for six weeks, from July 9 - August 13, we'll read two chapters a week and share what we learn.
I'll kick things off every Monday with a post here on Simple Nourished Living, which will give provide participants a place to comment with their discoveries, if they'd like.
It seems like a perfect summer project...
A virtual book club, but with homework 🙂
To be most effective, this challenge is best undertaken in a low key "let's just see what we discover" manner.
No pressure. No way to fail.
But it does provide a bit of accountability if you find it helpful in propelling you into action.
All you need to do to take part is buy the book Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think, by Brian Wansink (or borrow it from your library).
Here's the basic schedule:
6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge Schedule
- Why I'm Doing This 6-Week Mindless Eating Challenge
- Mindless Eating Challenge Kick-Off
- Week #1: July 9 - Chapters 1 & 2
- Week #2: July 16 - Chapters 3 & 4
- Week #3: July 23 - Chapter 5 & 6
- Week #4: July 30 - Chapters 7 & 8
- Week #5: August 6 - Chapters 9 & 10
- Week #6: August 13 - Appendix B & Wrap-Up
PS: If you want some support eating better and losing weight this summer, my 28-Day Smart Start Weight Loss Challenge may be just what you're looking for! Many of the tips and suggestions are based on what I learned by applying Dr. Wansink's Mindless Eating concepts.
This has been a wonderful challenge. Thank you for all of the support and encouragement. I have definitely made some positive changes that I plan to continue!
~ Bronwyn
Martha is the founder and main content writer for Simple-Nourished-Living.
A longtime lifetime WW at goal, she is committed to balancing her love of food and desire to stay slim while savoring life and helping others do the same.
She is the author of the Smart Start 28-Day Weight Loss Challenge.
A huge fan of the slow cooker and confessed cookbook addict, when she's not experimenting in the kitchen, you're likely to find Martha on her yoga mat.
This post contains affiliate links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links or other (affiliate links), I receive a small commission that helps support this site. Thank you for your purchase!
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Hi, I'm Martha. Simple Nourished Living chronicles the easy and delicious Weight Watchers friendly recipes, tips & hints that help me balance my love of food and desire to be happy, healthy and slim. 
Debbie S.
What a great challenge! Looking forward to next Monday!! Thanks again for all your positive and encouraging information!! Also your great recipes! Enjoy the 4th in Land O' Lakes! I will be enduring the heat in AZ!
Pattye Kent
I'm in for this challenge.
Thank you for offering it.
Pattye in Michigan.
Mickey
I am excited about our book challenge! Picking it up Wednesday from library!
Great idea for motivation thank you!
Mickey Petrus
I am excited to start this book challenge! I'm picking it up from Library on Wed. Great motivational idea thank you!
Paula A McElhennon
How and where do we sign up - My book arrived today - Half.com $5
Martha McKinnon
Hi Paula, Congrats on finding the book for $5! You don't have to sign up. I'll send out a post every Monday. You will be able to follow its link to share your thoughts and experiences. - Martha
Gayneal
Ordered a copy from Amazon but it may not be here by the 10th! Don't worry, I read quickly. Looking forward to it.
Joy S
This sounds like fun and a much needed boost to my stymied weight loss. Thanks for doing it.
Linda
Just down loaded the digital copy to my iPad. Can't wait to start this.
Robyn
I have had this book for years and have been meaning to re-read it for a while. This is a perfectly timed challenge! looking forward to it!
Angela
Just got my book today! I'm ready.
Martha McKinnon
Awesome, Angela!
Sherri
This is a wonderful idea. I am going to order my book now. See you next Minday
Chrys Alam
Martha, please don't publish this as I love your site and all you do. I did not purchase this new book on Mindless Eating because, although I was a winner of "Target 100" and the promise to go through that book, nothing has happened. I was so excited (and not anticipating winning a copy!) that I purchased the book. After finding that I was a winner, I now own 2 copies and am disappointed that nothing ever came of that and reluctant to purchase anything more. Sorry to pass this to you and this is why I don't want you to publish this email. I don't want anything negative to affect your ratings or even personal emotions. There's too much else in life that is far more important - like your continued work to help humanity with better nutrition and advice.