We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

"Exercising" Willpower?

rosebarnalice
rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
According to a NYT article there is some scientific evidence that willpower is a limited resource in the brain, making it difficult to accomplish two goals requiring willpower at the same time-- say, losing weight and studying for an an exam; or focusing on getting out of debt and sticking to an exercise program. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/opinion/02aamodt.htm?_r=1)

But the article also says that willpower is a "muscle" that can be strengthened with practice--" People who stick to an exercise program for two months report reducing their impulsive spending, junk food intake, alcohol use and smoking."

Just wondering if any successful MFP-ers have found this to be true with their own diet/exercise changes.

Replies

  • kanonxbou47
    kanonxbou47 Posts: 265 Member
    That's pretty cool~. I haven't noticed that yet, but probably soon.
  • Metalhead187
    Metalhead187 Posts: 61
    Hmm. that is quite interesting I have never even heard of that. good post! :)
  • fitmom125
    fitmom125 Posts: 87
    Great post. The article is very interesting. This is right up my alley. I will keep that in mind. I need all the will power I can get.
  • Black_Swan
    Black_Swan Posts: 770 Member
    I find it easier to stay healthy when i study for exams, because i stay at home and can control much better what i eat. So, im really not sure this can be true for everyone. I think everyone is different.
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    I hadn't really thought about it before, but now that I do, it makes sense. Personally, whenever I am on the wrong track for weight loss (such as I was between Halloween and New Year's last year) I tend to spend more money. And it wasn't all Christmas presents that I was buying during that particular time either, because some of those charges were solely for ME. And I did eat out a lot during that time so about $50 a week was added to the bill because of restaurants.

    Now, however, I am on the right track having started over with my nutrition and exercise plan. As you can see from the ticker below, I am losing weight. To be perfectly honest, I have not deviated from my meal plans at all since starting and I have not missed a workout either. But, I also have formulated a plan to get completely out of debt in just 2 years and that means no car payment, no truck payment, no credit cards, nothing...except for the new mortgage since me and Justin just bought a house last August...but in my plan, that 30 year mortgage is going to be paid off in just a little more than 14 years, so it's all good.

    I do tend to set more goals, write down more goals, and reach more goals when I focus on at least one of them such as weight loss. I have also been taking a challenge from Chalene Johnson on Facebook concerning becoming more organized, writing to-do lists, and achieving your goals. It has helped out a lot, and that includes ALL my goals!
  • Fit14eva
    Fit14eva Posts: 5
    I find that when i exercise i am more conscience of my diet and i haven't taken notice particuarly but i am sure it feeds into other areas of my life. I guess when you work so hard for that hour or so everyday, it makes you less likely to throw it all away on a candybar.... So i would say that it does in a sense make you more aware which is the will power to refrain.... or better... the will power to reason ... hope that helps!

    Carolyn... Friend me...
  • robinfrazer
    robinfrazer Posts: 19
    I am "not yet" a successful MFP-er, but I have to say that in my life, I can see how that's true. I think of it more in terms of mental energy than will power - but it applies equally as well. When my mind is consumed with solving a problem at work, or worrying about something going on at home - I am MUCH less likely to exercise, and MUCH more likely to turn to food for comfort. Interesting.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories