The Better Life Experts | October 23, 2008
Most of us who have dieted or who are currently dieting struggle with impulsivity. The need to satisfy a small short term “need” (eating that chocolate doughnut) overpowers our long term goal (losing unwanted weight). Is this the result of nature or nurture?
Satisfaction derived from eating is probably a combination of the two. We are hard-wired to eat when the opportunity presents itself as part of our survival instinct. That’s the nature part of the equation; we eat to meet the basic need to survive. But, what we eat is choice-driven – our decision about which foods to eat is based upon their availability. Apple or doughnut? Salad or french fries? Double Deluxe hamburger or grilled chicken pita sandwich? That’s the nurture part of the equation, and the part that we can control.
What if one of the keys to losing weight is to avoid giving ourselves so many choices? After all, the body is just as satisfied with an apple as it is with a doughnut (probably more so since it’s easier to digest). Try limiting your options by avoiding restaurants, vending machines, and the break room if you are tempted by fattening foods. This simple strategy can help limit extra calories eaten throughout the day that are avoidable, unnecessary, and pack on unwanted pounds.
No comments:
Post a Comment