KNOWLEDGE is POWER.
When it comes to willpower vs. environment, the more you know, the better decisions you can make that benefit you and your overall health (especially when times get tough).
- If you knew your genetic predispositions are to TASTE preferences and behaviors around eating, you can change your environment (not your willpower) to make healthier decisions with the least effort or intrusion into your quality of life.
- If you are more prone to eating sugar due to the GLUT2 receptor, then you know behaviorally not to bring sugar into the house.
- I am a bitter supertaster and will naturally consume less bitter foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, for example, I can consciously flavor my cruciferous vegetables in a way that I enjoy them, and so I will get all the benefits of eating them.
- Where my vulnerable points are, I can control my environment, not my willpower, based on the data.
- I can control my environment, I can take proactive steps to dialogue with my family, friends, or maybe even co-workers who bring these unhealthy treats/snacks around me to say something like, “Thank you so much for bringing these cookies. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness behind it. I’m going to pass on enjoying them right now. Because I’m focusing on my health these days, maybe we can work together moving forward to add in a healthy snack/treat option, too. Let me know what you think.”
Remember, just because you struggle with WILLPOWER around food doesn’t mean it has to be that way for the rest of your life. Changing your ENVIRONMENT to be supportive for you can help offset the willpower struggles in really meaningful ways.
If you’d like support talking about specific strategies to support your environment at home and/or at work, in addition to talking about what you’ve tried and didn’t work, be sure to book a FREE Health Strategy Call with me. Book your call below.
