Basic Pursuits

A recent article from the New York Times cites studies showing that people who are well fed have a better chance at exercising self control than those whose blood sugar is depleted. Furthermore, restoring blood sugar levels seems to replenish self control.

Study subjects who drank sugar-sweetened lemonade, which raises glucose levels quickly, performed better on self-control tests than those who drank artificially-sweetened beverages, which have no effect on glucose.

This confirms to me what I have noticed in myself and others: to change eating habits from eating more to eating less, DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE HUNGRY. You're going to get beat in from both directions. The body is going to fight for survival and constantly demand to be fed. Plus your will to resist will diminish from lack of food.

Changing habits requires moderate changes over a moderate period of time. It requires planning and rehearsal. Most of all it requires repetition.

Make repetition your goal. Instead of "I'm going to lose 20 lbs, try "I'm going to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals Sunday through Friday." Instead of "I'm going to run a marathon" try, "I'm going to three days a during the week with a long day on Sunday."

When you gain the repetition, you'll lose the 20 lbs and run a marathon (if you still want to).

How to Boost Your Willpower

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