I think the most difficult part of attempting to lose weight is the battle with habits that we have nurtured over long periods of time. In order to break those habits, among other things, there is a certain amount of will power that needs to be expended. Studies have shown though that will power is a commodity that becomes depleted over time. Sure, it will replenish as well, but if you expend a bunch of will power on, say, controlling your temper, focusing on a project, or other day to day activities, you might use up the will power needed to avoid unhealthy foods or to keep exercising. Thankfully, will power is similar to a muscle and we can strengthen it over time.
But until that point in time, I get to battle with the small amounts of will power I have to begin my journey. This is part of the reason I’m not trying to do too much right away. Right now I’m focusing on waking up early on a consistent basis so I can exercise, and then I’m also working on just eating a little less in general. Not really focusing on the “what” I’m eating yet, that’ll come down the road. Even though it’s not much that I’m doing, there’s still a bit of a battle going on. I got home from work, and there were some left over cookies sitting on the stove. I wasn’t particularly hungry, but my stomach and brain were trying to convince me of the great need to eat a cookie. I had to battle with myself for a few seconds having one of those “good angel, bad angel” conversations.
(Pretty much sums it up…)
Good prevailed, my wife came home and ate the offending food, an I increased my will power just a little bit for next time! Small victories!
Ian – this is great that you’re beginning to make changes. I, too, have decided it’s time to heal my body. I read The Whole 30 book and it changed my perspective on so many things. I’ve been test-driving some of the recipes and they are so wonderful (very savory and I’m never hungry). All that aside, one thing I took from my readings was about cravings. They tend to last only 5 minutes or so. When you feel the ‘need’ to eat that favorite treat (or even whatever is in your space!), try to do something else for 5 or so minutes; have a plan about what that thing is… go outside, fold the laundry, read an Ensign article, anything that distracts you. Then the craving is weakened and your will power strengthened!! Good luck… I’ll be rooting for you!!
Nice work! I also found substitution works well. I subbed lower calorie drink (Kick Start) for my Dew, and developed a tolerance for diet. I also found some protein bars I eat in place of my favorite Snickers.