We are constantly trying to stop ourselves of from ingesting things we perceive as bad for us. And truthfully, those things probably are. We really shouldn’t have that donut, or the 700 calorie bagel with a couple hundred more calories in cream cheese on top. That 3rd, 4th and 5th beer most likely could have been lived without. And just one more 100 calorie treat isn’t doing your health goals any good.
However, while are really are better off without those indulgences, what is really working against us is the perception that we are depriving ourselves of something. One of the creators of “Hungry for Change” talked about how our brain creates a bigger desire for something when we think we can’t have it. He suggested that we need to change the way we are thinking about it.
Instead of “I want it, but I can’t have it”, we need to tell ourselves “I CAN have it, but I don’t want it.” It is a much more powerful mental state to be in, and can work strongly in your favor to help you achieve your goals.
When it comes to the highly processed and sugar laden food we are used to and surrounded by on a daily basis, it takes a strong mind to overcome our “need” of these foods. Put your mind in the right state and your are miles ahead!
Now excuse me while I go convince myself that I really don’t want the chocolate chip cookies I bought at the store “for my kids”. Gotta start somewhere, right??
