Your willpower is limited, so avoiding unhealthy temptation is key, according to a new study. Research shows that the simpler a diet plan is, the more likely you are to stick with it and maintain weight loss. And when you eliminate temptations, you get rid of the convenience that often leads to diet self-sabotage like snacking in front of the fridge.
Try these simple steps for healthy decisions:
Hide the candy: Research shows that even getting rid of visual cues to snack, such as putting candy in a covered container instead of a clear dish, led participants to eat less. Enlisting a spouse or a friend to keep your sacred sugar stash somewhere unreachable leaves you with willpower to spare. When you know sweets aren’t an option, you’re more likely to give the healthy snacks lingering in your kitchen cabinets a try.
Give yourself a penalty: If you charge chips and cookies on your card when you’re short on cash, try to use your card less. Sign up for a debit card with a high withdrawal fee, or put the equivalent amount in a jar every time you pay for junk food indulgences. Paying $4 for an ice cream cone seems reasonable, but when you also match the amount in a jar, your wallet—and your mind—recognizes the hit.
Have a healthy home: Set a rule, such as not bringing unhealthy snacks into the house. Depriving yourself could lead to excessive splurging, so remind yourself that it’s okay to indulge in dark chocolate or enjoy cake at a party as long as it’s not a frequent occurrence. Set a specific number to limit treats for yourself, though, like once per week.
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