Cravings and Temptations

Cravings and Temptations

Let’s talk about CRAVINGS and TEMPTATIONS…which also goes hand and hand with WILLPOWER!!

Earlier this summer I went on a GNO with some friends. We went to a baseball game and then ended up at Hooters. It wasn’t my first choice but majority ruled. 

Here’s the cool thing...just because we were at a wing joint didn’t mean I had to give in to the greasy fries and wings! My friends all teased me saying--> "Oh...you won't eat Hooters, will you??” Actually, I told them…"I don’t eat Hooters wings and fries!” I had a grilled chicken salad (and a beer of course!) and left feeling VERY happy knowing my belly wouldn’t be suffering from those greasy fries or wings!! 

Since becoming a coach and having so many interactions with people about food and nutrition I have come to realize that not many people have “personal standards". I am willing to bet that no more than 20% of the population draw the line in the sand and say "I DON'T eat that". There is a lot of POWER in saying "I DON'T eat that" as opposed to "I CAN'T eat that.”

Most temptations are the ones we face day to day...whether it’s a delicious looking bagel just freshly toasted and dripping with butter, or a piece of chocolate cake at a friend’s birthday party, or the kids’ cookies screaming our name from the pantry! These will only take us by surprise if we have not already determined what we do and do not eat. The mind is VERY powerful!

Check this out! A new study found that 80% of women who used the words “I don’t” stuck with their good eating habits vs. 20% of women who said “I can’t”. Those are some AMAZING statistics!!

Which feels more powerful: I don’t or I can’t?

I have found that saying or thinking the words “I DON’T eat that” are magical in helping me to feel empowered daily. You can also use the words “I only” which are even more positive. “I only eat foods that increase my energy and nourish my body.” Try it…It’s really AMAZING how strong our mind can be!! This works good at parties or at work if someone brings in bagels or donuts. In fact someone in our office brought carrot cake yesterday (which I REALLY do like) and I literally had to say to myself a few times...YOU DON'T eat that!

I also find that drinking Shakeology every day without fail helps keep me feeling nourished so I don’t crave unhealthy foods. Remember this...It’s NOT about eating what "someone else" thinks you “should” eat, it’s about finding what works for YOU! Don’t you EVER feel guilty about turning down something you “don’t” eat. Just continue to make good choices during the day and if you're heading out where there will be temptations…nibble on something healthy before you leave the house!