Don’t Look, Don’t Eat
There is always an abundance of research on dieting, fitness and weight loss, but there isn’t really much that explains why we over eat, and what the triggers are to look for when we feel the inexplicable urge to eat something that is totally horrible for us and our waistline, but can’t seem to help ourselves. A little thing called willpower seems to get in the way sometimes, and even if we think we’ve formed an iron will, we do at times seem powerless against the calling for foods like pastries, cookies, candies in that darn candy jar someone insists on having, and more.
So, is there a way that we can avoid these temptations? Well, aside from never socializing and becoming a recluse (which shouldn’t be an option unless you’re an extreme introvert), research is now saying that we just shouldn’t look in the first place. That’s right. Research is suggesting that just the fact that we look at tempting foods reduces our chances of staying away from them substantially.
And I thought smelling foods was bad! I do have to admit, when I thought about this theory, it is very true many times for me personally. I can smell something, or hear about it at work, and be ok with not going to get some. However, once I see that chocolate cake, those cookies, that bag of candy, or whatever other thigh-unfriendly foods that are lurking, I’m pretty much gonna be thinking about it for a while, even if I initially said “no thanks”.
Visually, foods can be very powerful. That’s why presentation is so important at many top restaurants. They know that if they arrange your plate and garnish your food and make it look appetizing and pleasing to the eye, the more likely you are going to be to say that it was fantastic food, as well as an excellent dining experience. \
So, the next time someone sends an email or calls out that they brought in donuts, just do yourself a favor. Don’t go over and look. You’ll be tempted, but trust me, you’ll save yourself many empty calories if you just try to not even look at the food in question!
