Last Christmas during a manicure at my local salon one of the ladies who worked there began to offer around a big tin of chocolates. When she reached me, offering the selection my way, I politely declined. She seemed a little taken aback and asked me if I was sure. I thanked her and said yes I was positive. She decided to give it one last crack ‘Just one? It’s Christmas!’ I felt a bit rude saying no again, but still, I refused.
How do you say no to something you want? Don't want it.
I LOOOVE chocolate so you probably think I was executing immense will-power. Actually I wasn’t. The truth of the matter was I honestly didn’t want one. The reason is simple; this was neither the time nor the place for chocolate. That probably makes me sound a bit like a school mistress, but when I say this I mean that I know that if I eat too much sugar it won't do me any good, so I save the enjoyment of chocolate for moments like watching a movie on a Sunday night 'But it was Christmas!' I hear you say. All the more reason not to have one. I knew I'd be eating more than usual around Christmas day which made wasting my 'chocolate tokens' in a nail salon on a Tuesday afternoon even less tempting. Not even a purple Quality Street was going to ruin my plan!
Oh go on then, just the one...
The lady next to me in the salon took a chocolate, at the same time commenting on how she 'shouldn't'. Then when the chocolates did a second lap, the same lady took another. Apparently 'that was the diet out of the window'. Sound familiar? And yes, she was overweight. I'm not suggesting that in this situation you shouldn't under any circumstances have a chocolate, but if taking one isn't helping you get want you want in the bigger picture then you may want to think twice before giving in.
Would you forgive a partner for 'giving into temptation'?
Let's say your partner cheats on you. I'm sure that even if they claimed to have lost control in the moment, told you that the other person looked sooo good, put it down to hormones or said it was because they were feeling depressed, you wouldn't see these as valid excuses. When we decide to give in to temptation we are still making a conscious choice. For example, if I eat too much of the wrong thing I know that I'll gain weight and my health will suffer. These would be the consequences of my actions. I don't want either of these things to happen, and by focusing on the possible outcome I find it much easier to reject temptation.
Would you wear your favourite pair of shoes to walk the dogs?
Probably not, because it's not the right time nor place, they'd end up covered in mud and you'd regret having worn them. Instead you wear them at a time you can enjoy them and feel good about wearing them. Favourite foods also have a time and a place to be enjoyed without regret. I like to occasionally eat pasta, drink wine and enjoy chocolate. Therefore, I have incorporated into my diet moments in which I can enjoy these foods. I know that I don't have them often enough for it to have a negative affect my health but I also know that the consequences of occasionally having these foods means I probably won’t be super skinny. This I accept and enjoy my chosen moments without an ounce of guilt or regret.
If you really want to lose weight then this want must drive your actions and influence how you make decisions. When faced with temptation think about what you want in the bigger picture and this will determine what you want in the moment. Remember why your goal is so important and understand the outcome of whichever the choice you make.
If you are struggling to lose weight then visit Ask Louise where you can contact me with any questions you may have. I'm here to help and offer free advice on all things health and fitness.
Louise Appel, Personal Trainer.
LLouise Appel Personal Trainer, St John's Wood & Personal Trainer Maida Vale offers customised, individual Personal Training and Pilates at Lords Cricket Ground, St John's Wood. Personal Trainer Harpenden & Personal Trainer St Albans is located at EsTR Fitness.
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