Our lives are filled with endless decision making and it can leave us feeling drained and tired of choosing by the end of a long day. So by the time we get home and have to think about what to cook for dinner, we’re so over it, our willpower is out the window and our favorite delivery place is calling our name. But here are a few things we can do to help us stay on the healthy eating bandwagon, according to science.
- Toss temptation - According to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people with the strongest self control rely less on willpower and avoid temptation as much as possible. So maybe rethink your route from the train stop if it takes you past that bakery you can’t resist.
- Stock up on snacks - You’re going to get hungry, so replace the sweets in your desk drawer with healthier options with lots of protein, like nuts, Greek yogurt, natural nut butters, and hummus. They’ve been found to keep you full longer so you’re not hangry by the end of the day.
- Meal prep like a pro - A recent study shows meal preppers are more likely to have a higher quality diet and are less likely to be overweight. So they’re eating right and that takes time and planning, but if you set aside some time on Sunday to think about your meals for the week, you can create a shopping list and prepare some meals and snacks in advance. And then you’ll be a healthy-eating meal prepper, too.
- Delay, don’t deny - When you’re really craving some chocolate after a nutritious dinner, one study finds that delaying your desire instead of denying it will help you resist the temptation. So instead of saying you can’t ever have it, just put it off and say you’ll have it later. Hey, it’s worth a try, right?
Source: Women's Health