I love learning tidbits from her concerning the brain and how we really use it.
Fascinating stuff, I tell ya!
And, today, I wanted to share with you a really interesting piece of information that I gained from my super intellectual friend.
We were discussing the idea that one's willpower doesn't seem to be strong enough to overcome the temptations we feel toward eating. I mean, why is it so hard to maintain that self-control around food in certain situations?
I'm sure you've felt it before. You may be trying to follow a healthy eating plan for performance, for fat loss, or simply for better health... and those cravings for something "bad" set in. Oftentimes, it happens when we are in social settings. It just seems so much more acceptable to drop your plan when other people are around to unconsciously coax you into doing so.
It's really a case of willpower versus emotions. And willpower often wins out.
Are we simply weak and uncommitted?
Well, no... there's more to it than that.
Let me get a little scientific for a sec.
Did you know that you don't have a section in your brain that specifically houses your willpower?
To repeat: the trait, willpower, does not have a concrete home in your brain!
And if it did - maybe it would be a visitor in the personality part of your brain.
Emotions, on the other hand, have a HUGE section of the brain to call home.
The emotional part of the brain is the first part to develop, so its the oldest, strongest, most developed part of the brain.
When we pit the emotional part of the brain up against willpower (who is unfortunately a houseguest in a smaller, weaker part of the brain)... it's almost like David vs. Goliath. Except David doesn't have any weapons to defend himself!!
So, when we get a bit stressed, emotional, or tired, that big emotional part of our brains takes over. Bye, bye, willpower. Hello, ice cream!
It's just a part of being human.
And in social situations, our behavior is determined by our expectations, our emotions, and the affect of social norms themselves. Our social behavior is NOT determined by our personality and our willpower.
The takeaway??
You DO need to have a nutritional plan, and you DO need to follow it consistently.
But you cannot punish yourself for falling off the wagon every once in a while.
Mistakes will happen. The emotional part of the brain is way too strong to prevent it.
You CAN prevent too many slip-ups by avoiding those situations when social pressure and emotional pulls can all too easily take over.
So, yes, skip that lunch outing with girlfriends when you already have a cheat meal planned with your significant other.
Maybe don't keep ice cream in the house, just in case you have a really shi**y day.
And if you mess up, don't dwell! Just remember that willpower will come visit you again someday...
(Thanks, "Dr. J"! Wink, wink)
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3 comments:
Yes, but until willpower comes around, there is always ice cream.
Excellent post Kim. You touched on this subject but it got me thinking...
How about the willpower to re-evaluate who your "real friends" are when you start heading down a healthy path?
If you don't mind, let me tell you a little story. I have a neighbor who for years was a social butterfly within our group of friends. She is just a sweet, southern girl with a heart of gold. About 2 years ago she started to get very active in the fitness business and is now even a personal trainer and fitness model. I noticed around the same time she started to pull back from the social scene. Many people gave her grief (me included) about her not drinking or indulging at our get togethers or being absent all together.
Now that I have turned down the same fitness path, I realize what WILLPOWER she really has. For me, most derailments come in these social situations. I start to wonder if these friends will really like me unless I drink or party with them? I can see now why she pulled back because I want to do the same. The next time we are together, I intend to apologize, compliment and even ask for her advice.
As you say Kim, willpower is so very important in leading a healthy lifestyle. You have to plan and prepare for those occasions when temptations are possible. And you may even have to reconsider who your "friends" really are now that your circumstances have changed.
That's so VERY true, Chris...
Those of us who have chosen health over self-destruction (at least, on a regular basis!), have had to make some sacrifices. Definitely. Because we would rather make the decision to avoid those situations when our willpower might fail us. Because it's much easier to stay away than it is to include yourself in a familiar situation and try to resist familiar, comfortable temptations, right?!
Congrats to you, Chris, for having the strength and the willpower to re-evaluate those situations in your life that may not be beneficial to your goals. Keep up the great work! And keep surrounding yourself with people that DO share your goals!!
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