I don’t know about you, but I don’t love Halloween.
As a nutritionist, you can probably understand why.
It’s hard enough keeping my kids from eating crap daily without dedicated “holidays” reinforcing junk food consumption.
But it’s not even the kids and the candy that’s the problem, it’s the adults, myself included, that get sabotaged by the exposure, constantly threatening our well-intentioned diet and fitness plans.
Don’t get me wrong, a few pieces of candy aren’t going to break the bank, but, for me, it’s the self-control that’s required to not over-indulge.
What I usually do, is take the kids’ bags of candy and stash them away in the garage cabinet, out of sight but never out of mind…
Knowing that some of my favorite treats are just a few steps away gets me salivating every time I walk by that cabinet.
The result?
It’s like my self-control battery is slowly draining away, and I find myself in an internal battle between willpower and sweet temptation, invariably saying “screw it” and grabbing a few pieces when my battery has been sufficiently drained…
Usually after a long day, week, and/or a couple of cocktails.
Sound familiar?
It’s a classic example of the science of self-control in action.
You see, relying solely on self-control can be a slippery slope, especially when you’re surrounded by tempting choices.
The truth is, the most successful individuals on their weight loss journeys don’t put themselves in situations that constantly challenge their need for Herculean willpower and discipline.
Instead, they create environments and surround themselves with people that support their goals. They’re the ones who ditch the candy stash altogether, making the smart move of eliminating the constant tug-of-war with temptation.
So, as we head into another Halloween tonight, let’s keep this lesson in mind…
It’s not about depriving ourselves; it’s about setting ourselves up for success. Whether it’s chucking the candy, opting for healthier treats, or simply distancing ourselves from the sugar frenzy, be empowered to make choices that don’t drain your precious self-control resources.
You have my permission to throw the candy out…
Just save me those peppermint patties 😉
In Health,
Ben
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