The Power of Saying No

I can say no to tortilla chips. Most of the time. The exception is one particular brand my husband buys sometimes. I might be a little bit hungry, craving a little salt and crunch. I open the pantry door and there they are. It is possible they can talk? Because I’m hearing that I should open that bag and start eating!

From somewhere very far away something nags at my consciousness that I could and should say one of the most powerful words in my vocabulary: no. No may be the sensible thing to say to unhealthy foods—but it’s not always easy.

Part of the problem is that it’s hard to see the benefit of saying no immediately. Sure, in a few days the scale might show it a little. In a few months it will make a difference. But what I need is immediate gratification that I just said no. Something that can trump the food itself.

I have a great idea I’d like to try that will give an immediate reward, a long term reward, and a healthy reward. I plan to get a small pickle jar to keep in the pantry. Every time I say no to something I shouldn’t eat, or successfully stop after I’ve had enough though I may want more, I will get to place a penny into the jar. When the jar is full, I can reward myself with a shopping spree for a new outfit. It may be a bit contrived, I admit, but sometimes it takes some creativity to keep life fun and successful.