Smellology?
 

Probably a wrong title but whatever.

I've been meaning to post this for the longest. Does anyone know anything about 'smellology'? It's probably the wrong word for it but I can't think of anything else. See, I'm obsessed with Avon and I brought a whole bunch of scented lip balms on sale a few months ago. They have no taste but smell SO FREAKIN delish. I was using the mocha vanilla first and I just started on the sugar cookie (which is droolworthy). Anyway, I was reading a mag and I read an article that says that tempting smells can actually squash cravings. I didn't really think of it until I finished that tube of mocha vanilla and realized that I hadn't really ate much chocolate in a while. Coincidence? Weird.

That does seem wierd. I'd think it would increase your craving...like being in a bakery. I wouldn't be satisfied with just smelling! I'd need to sink my teeth into some pastries! But if it works, maybe I'll try it!

I know! That's what I thought too. Maybe it's just me imaging stuff.

Do you mean aromatherapy? Or isn't smellology that thing that some people do in eastern countries like India where they just dont eat... lol i'm probably as confused as you are!!

I don't know, it may depend on the people. Bakery smells sure make me feel like having a go at it. On the other hand, incompatible smells do wonders for me (like walking near a perfumer's store--instant drop in cravings!).

And I don't know the name either. Too bad.

One of the things I discovered some weeks ago is that I can enjoy the smell of good food without feeling like I HAVE to eat it. It has made life much easier! And more enjoyable! The smell is calorie free, too. ;)

Jay

If you smell something long enough, it can make you hate the smell of it, which would make you not want any. For example. I had this wonderful candle I burned during a birthday party. It smelled like birthday cake. I figured it would get everyone in the mood of the party. By the time that party was over, I felt sick to my stomach like i had eaten the whole dang cake!!!! Needless to say, I never ate any of the left over cake that weekend.

I did a quick google search 'cuz I thought I had heard a similar thing about eucalyptus or mint. Here's a link to the article (hope it's okay to post) that sounds like it supports your theory :cool:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...23/ai_n6092122

Hmm... I do notice my sweet tooth have recently gone down, when I started using an X-mas gift of sugar-wafer scented lotion. Not sure if it's just coinicidence or science at work.

However, I DO use breath mints (Bold tic-tacs, about 4 calories for 2 pieces) from time to time to help curb cravings -- the blast of lingering minty freshness usually manages to kill off whatever unhealthy food cravings I get for at least a good while.