Why "Willpower" Isn’t the Problem (And What Actually Helps)
- Lisa Kelly
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Ever wonder why some days you can easily say no to the office donuts, and other days you inhale three before noon?
It’s not because you “lack willpower.” It’s because you’re human.
The truth? Willpower is overrated when it comes to food choices.
Here’s why.
The Science of Why Willpower Fails
Your brain is wired to seek comfort. When you’re stressed or tired, your brain craves quick energy. And that usually means carbs, sugar, or all the snacks. It’s a survival mechanism, not a personal failure.
Decision fatigue is real. The more choices you make in a day, the worse they get. By the time you get home, your brain is like, “I can’t make one more responsible decision—give me the damn pizza.”
Restriction leads to rebellion. The more you tell yourself you “can’t” have something, the more you want it. And when you finally cave? You go all in. It’s called the “what-the-hell effect.”
What Actually Works Instead of “Trying Harder”
✔ 1. Eat enough during the day. Skipping meals doesn’t make you “good”—it makes you hangry and impulsive later. Eat real meals. Thank me later.
✔ 2. Keep easy, nutritious foods around. If your only snack options are cookies or sadness, guess what you’ll pick? Set yourself up with foods you actually like that also make you feel good.
✔ 3. Give yourself permission to eat everything. Yep, even the “junk.” Because when nothing is off-limits, food stops being so damn tempting.
✔ 4. Focus on how food makes you feel. Not just taste—feel. If you love how certain foods fuel your energy, digestion, or mood, you’ll naturally start choosing them more. No willpower required.
You don’t need more discipline. You need a better approach. This week, stop trying to “be good” with food. Just pay attention to what makes you feel your best—and do more of that.
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If you liked this read, check out this one about a podcast episode answering if you have to track everything you eat or not!
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