Answer in the comments, since I don't have enough readers to bother with a poll widget.
Which is more difficult to do if there is a plate of French fries within your reach?
A. eat zero — don't even touch them
or
B. eat one or two, and then stop
(If you don't love French fries, please substitute any other item that you love that comes in small bite-sized quanta, e.g., jelly beans, chips with salsa, etc.)
I vote B although I would find having them on a plate in front of me difficult either way. The best way to keep my resolve is to remove temptation (or myself).
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Is it bad to PLAN on shoveling chips and salsa when I get to California in two weeks? (Don’t answer that… I haven’t had real chips and salsa since july 2008, though and that MUST be a mitigating circumstance. )
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B. “Just say no” really is the way to go with these things. Even when you actually control the amount you consume, you end up feeling sad.
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Hey, Christy, the question was “which is harder.” That cannot logically be answered with “none of the above.”
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WOW! Lot’s of B’s, but I find A much more difficult. I tend to have a harder time and ‘blow it’, if I deny myself any, but setting a limit and actually telling myself “OK, I can have 2” fries/bites/whatever is easier for me, and then I don’t crave it for days afterwards. I’ve had the taste and that’s good enough 🙂
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If I eat one and it’s good? B. If it isn’t all that great, well, still B probably. Because I can usually tell whether they’ll be any good, and then I can avoid eating any at all.
Something I know I’ll like? B. Unless it’s incredibly rich or something.
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A Philosophy professor in college one said, “Virtue is not eating any potato chips, it’s eating only one.”
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Oh, B, definitely. Like the Lay’s potato chip commercial says, “You can’t eat just one!” Or two, I find.
Same here with chips and salsa, actually.
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Rebekka, not having had chips and salsa since 2008 is a VERY mitigating circumstance. Enjoy your California munch!
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B is more difficult.
I handle choice A best when I can prepare ahead. For example, going to a party, I can tell myself, “No chips,” and follow through and be glad/relieved/proud that I did it. Eating mindfully is key for me. I’ve slipped a bit lately, but it’s never too late to restart!
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bearing blog 