It’s the third week of January and you are struggling to keep your weight loss resolution. Are you frustrated with what you believe is a lack of discipline or determination? Do you berate yourself for not having the willpower to stick with it? You are not alone.
Rather than beat yourself up over the struggle to stick with what is likely a rigid exercise regimen and strict caloric intake number, take a minute to understand what is really going on in your body. I’m not talking about what you are putting in your body, but more importantly what is happening within your body (specifically your brain) when you try to continuously exert willpower.
If you are like many people who feel too much, you were raised to live by the motto: success takes hard work and discipline. Yes, that’s true, but only in limited amounts. While writing my new book, Weight Loss for People Who Feel Too Much, I learned about some rather interesting research studies that were conducted on a person’s ability to engage in willpower. What the studies found was willpower is tied to sugar. Both the mind and the body use the same source for power – glucose (sugar). Therefore the act of practicing willpower or self-control uses up glucose. Which makes sense because when our blood glucose levels are low, that’s when we feel fatigued and look for sugary snacks to keep us going.
Now I’m not suggesting you should reach for a doughnut every time you’re feeling run down. What I am saying is this research has proven that merely replacing your depleted glucose level with food and making willpower the top focus of your weight loss resolution is not the answer. Instead, you can boost your mood and your energy levels with healthier alternatives that replenish glucose. What I have found that works best for me and the people who go through my Weight Loss for People Who Feel Too Much program is a combination of strategies that are also backed up by research.
- Sleep – This cannot be over-emphasized. The days of sleeping only 4-5 hours a night have to end if you plan to get back to your healthy weight. When you are sleep deprived your mind and your body go for the easy fix. Your food choices will be different when you get adequate rest and you will have more energy to move your body.
- Rewards – Your energy can be restored simply by the act of rewarding yourself with something that promotes continued success. It could be a healthy treat, a mini portion of your favorite frozen yogurt, a massage or a glass of wine with your favorite girlfriends. Which leads me to the next strategy.
- Laughter – A good laugh gives you endorphins which will assist with your willpower. Watch your favorite comedy show or movie. Call up a good friend and reminisce rather than rant.
Take a minute to think about the times you have the least amount of willpower. Could any one of the items above, or a combination have helped you get past your struggle? Start integrating them today and I’m sure your willpower will be much stronger.
Love and blessings,
Colette Baron-Reid
Intuitive Counselor
Click here to read a cumulative article about the research studies I referenced.
