Oscar Wild said “I can resist everything except temptation.” and as anyone with a human brain knows.. resistance doesn’t work. So this week on Joyful Eating for Menopause I’m sharing how I handle temptations. It’s soo effective that I can’t remember the last time I actually felt any sort of temptation.
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Video Version
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Oscar Wilde once said, “I can resist everything except temptations.”
While clever and relatable, I’ve discovered that resistance isn’t actually the answer when it comes to food temptations.
In fact, I’ve developed such an effective approach that I genuinely can’t remember the last time I felt tempted by food.
The Real Problem with Temptation
Recently, someone in my Naturally Healthy Club shared a scenario that many of us can relate to….
She was relaxing with her husband one evening when he opened a bag of potato chips and placed them between them. Without any intention or awareness, she found herself eating away at the chips, only to feel frustrated with herself afterward.
This situation perfectly illustrates the two key factors that create food temptation:
1. The “forbidden fruit” effect – When we label foods as “bad” or tell ourselves we shouldn’t have them, they become irresistibly tempting. The internal struggle begins: should I or shouldn’t I?
2. Fear of missing out (FOMO) – The worry that if we don’t have something now, we might miss our chance, driving us to eat more than we actually want.
My Radical Solution: Permission, Not Resistance
Here’s what changed everything for me: I gave myself radical permission to eat whatever I want.
This might sound counterintuitive if you’re trying to manage your weight or eat healthier, but stay with me. When you truly believe there are no “bad” foods and that you can have anything you desire, something magical happens – the temptation disappears.
Think about it: temptation only exists when we believe we shouldn’t have something. When potato chips are just potato chips – not a forbidden indulgence – the conversation in your mind shifts from “Should I or shouldn’t I?” to “Do I even want this?”
From Theory to Practice: Making It Work
Giving yourself permission is just the first step. Here’s how to implement this approach effectively:
1. Be Intentional About Your Choices
Before eating something, pause and check in with yourself: “Do I actually want this?” This simple question can completely change your relationship with food. You’re no longer eating because something is there and “tempting” you – you’re making a conscious choice.
2. Create Practical Strategies
If you’re sharing snacks with someone:
Serve yourself your own portion instead of eating from a shared bag
Consider getting your own bag so you’re not worried about getting your “fair share”
Put the rest away after serving yourself
3. Plan for Future Enjoyment
If you want something but it doesn’t make sense to eat it right now (maybe you’re already full), plan when you’ll have it. Tell yourself, “I’m going to enjoy those chips tomorrow for lunch.” This removes the urgency and the fear that you’ll miss out.
4. Focus on Enjoyment
- When you do choose to have something indulgent:
- Serve it properly (ice cream in a bowl, not from the tub)
- Give it your full attention
- Slow down and savor it
- Make it an experience, not a guilty rush
In your corner,
Jules xx
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