Usually the words “Food Taboos” or “Food Fears” make people quite squeamish and uncomfortable. Perhaps it invokes religious images of animals being slaughtered or maybe it reminds you of the second challenge on the TV show Fear Factor when each contestant had to ingest a batch full of live insects? Joe Rogan, you sick bastard!

[Forget food fears, how about a giant spider descending on a city near you! Just kidding, it's a sculpture making stops in various places around the world by French sculptor Louise Bourgeois]

Unfortunately, being afraid to eat is all too common in those struggling on their own fat loss journey. I can remember grabbing a bagel from the breakfast bar at a conference and receiving this snide remark from a female in line:

“Oh my god, how can you eat that bagel? I’m too afraid to eat one!“

“Hi my name is Mike, and you must be Debbie? Debbie Downer?“

[FYI: I have a personal rule about knowing at least a person's first name before I criticize them and their actions.]

Should I have eaten that bagel? Probably not since it’s full of unrefined carbs and low on fiber but being afraid of food really caught me off guard. Did this bagel fall on the floor? Was this bagel laced with poison?

The more I reflect on this semi-unpleasant exchange, the more it gets me thinking about my own beginnings in losing fat and the food fears I experienced.

Is food fear really the issue here?

I used to fear calories and fatty foods. I kept a close eye on my calorie intake and made notes each night. While I never truly put specific foods in the “bad food” list (I’m Italian and would be disowned by telling my mom her pasta is bad), I still worried about eating too much of my favorite foods. It was my oversize portions primarily that led to my weight gain in the first place.

Through reading and learning about losing fat and improving my health, I learned to incorporate more nutritional foods into my diet like raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts. It’s hard to be afraid of something that is good for you. And most importantly, I know that food in general does not make you and I fat BUT it’s the type of food and portion size that really does the damage.

Here are some strategies to keep in mind the next time you feel the fear of forbidden food rush upon you.

Don’t be fooled by imitators

Eat real food. It’s really tough to feel anxious about a food that you know is good for you. Choosing wholesome, nutritious foods are always an easy decision. For example, the thought of fresh carrots or a crisp golden delicious apple is anything but scary.

Repeat after me, I am in control

Watching your favorite NFL team lose this past weekend (Miami Dolphins, what happened?) must have been even tougher after a large plate of spicy hot buffalo wings float by you to another table.

It would be so easy to cave in and order yourself the same plate especially when you haven’t eaten since breakfast. But knowing that I am in control of the situation helps me choose a healthier alternative. A quick mental reminder before faced with “fearful food” typically does the trick!

[The brain is mighty so don't be afraid to use it!]

Listen to your body cues

If you choose to go with that aforementioned plate of spicy hot buffalo wings then enjoy it without fear. You heard me, enjoy your wings damn it!

The only caveat lies in your willingness to pay attention to your satiety cues. Personally, I eat my favorite foods in moderation, listen to my body, and stop eating before I am too full. For example, if I want a Sicilian cannoli for dessert, then I have one. I don’t fear it because I know once it’s done, there is no more to be had.

Mike Geary’s book “The Truth About Six Pack Abs” contains some of the best nutrition guidelines and strategies in the fitness world. Check out our review of this massive fat loss resource of eating habits, food choices, and so much more!