Day 108: Can't or Don't

There are many ways to think of things, specifically changes, but I want to focus on "can't" and "don't".

I am normally in the "can't" camp. I can't stay up late because I am just to grouchy the next morning. I can't eat pizza because my body gets to gassy (don't you just love full disclosure blogs?), I can't watch horror movies because they scare me so badly I have nightmares for weeks (just love being a scardy cat!)...well, you get the idea.

Recently I read an article (I think it was in Prevention) that when we are dieting we should say "don't" instead of "can't". The article stated that when we use the word "can't" it sets us up for failure because from the very beginning we feel deprived. The article suggests that if we use the word don't...as in "I don't eat chocolate" then we do not feel deprived, but empowered. We are simply making a statement about a choice.

I think I agree with this. When I say I can't eat pizza (which I have been saying for the last few years) I find I really have a hard time leaving the pizza alone. Normally when I can't control an impulse (like eating way to many chips) I simply ban the offending food from the house. This works pretty good. Not so good with pizza because that is every one's favorite food for our Friday night family movies.

This week I said all day long to myself & to anyone who would listen, "I don't eat pizza". I happily was able to avoid the pizza and had a sandwich instead. I am going to use the "don't" trick more and see if that doesn't help me with some of my food choices.

Now to convince myself that I don't stay up late!