It happens to all of us: we're cruising along on our weight loss program, feeling great, staying on track - when suddenly a temptation is staring us right in the face. Maybe it's a box of donuts your oh-so-thoughtful coworker brought into the office. Maybe it's the scent of freshly baked bread from the bakery down the street. Maybe it's just a random craving that seemed to come out of nowhere, and now it has you in a death grip.
With most weight loss programs, there are only two possible responses: summon the willpower to ignore the craving and stay committed to the plan, or give in to the craving and feel like a failure.
Luckily, these are not the only two responses you can choose, and today we're going to share a few others to help you win the battle of wills the next time you face temptation:
1) Minimize the Intensity
The only reason cravings are so strong is because you create tension in yourself by saying, "I want that but I can't have it." Not being able to have something only makes you want it more! Instead, see the donut (or whatever is tempting you) for what it really is. "It's just a blob of flour, sugar and fat. Yes, it smells good, yes, it would probably taste good, and if I really want to eat it, I can. But do I really want to?" You'd be surprised how well this approach works - it knocks that smug donut right off its pedestal and minimizes the intensity of the craving.
2) Long-Term Gains
Is the enjoyment you would gain from eating one donut worth missing out on the accomplishment of reaching your weight loss goals? Granted, in the heat of the moment it might seem worth it. But if you take a mental step back from the craving and remember how badly you want to feel the joy of being slender and healthy - suddenly the benefits the donut offers seem shallow and fleeting in comparison.
3) The REAL Deprivation
Wanting a gooey goody and not allowing yourself to have it triggers a strong sensation of deprivation - but if you do give in to the craving, what are you REALLY depriving yourself of? Success? A feeling of pride about your appearance? Those slender, slinky, sexy clothes that you've been dying to wear? A longer life? Better quality of life? Is a donut really worth that?
Once you get into the habit of seeing temptation in a different light, suddenly it doesn't seem so hard to overcome it and stay focused on what you REALLY want - that beautiful, healthy, strong body.
