WILLPOWER and other diet myths!

Most people who would like to lose weight believe that the only thing keeping them from their goal is their lack of willpower. If only it were so easy! First off, willpower doesn't really exist Everybody eventually succumbs to temptation, it is just a matter of time. The difference between success and failure is creating an environment where you are most likely to succeed. Believe me, this is something I know about. If I make brownies for my kids (of course) there is no way I am not eating my share and I will keep eating them until the pan is empty. This is why I don't make brownies unless I'm in the mood for 800 extra calories! Its a very nice notion that you should be able to stop at one, but reality is often a different story. So, if you don't want to eat the brownies don't make them!! I know this is obvious but, where people most often mess up is when they put themselves in situations that are just too hard to resist. That's why 100 calorie packs are a brilliant marketing strategy. The idea is that you can feed your snack habit in a controlled way. The reason this usually doesn't work is that they are so unsatisfying, you tend to eat more than one.

If you really want to make long term changes in your habits, look at your environment and see what is really causing you to eat unwanted calories. Some common problems are:

Eating out of boredom. Can't you find anything else to do???

Eating in front of the computer or TV.

Not having the foods you want to eat readily available.

Having your home office in the kitchen.

Keeping snacks in your car "just in case" (In case of what???)

Buying cakes or cookies so you are prepared in case someone stops by.

Buying snacks for your kids or spouse that you find too hard to resist.

Skipping meals so you are so hungry you overeat at the next one.

Walking into Crumbs Bakery just to "see" what its about.

My advice is to stop coveting your neighbor's willpower and start creating an environment where you are most likely to succeed. And if you do wind up eating that pan of brownies, enjoy them!