N is for No

I can say no to cookies—most of the time. The exception is whole wheat dark chocolate chip cookies. If I bake these little round desserts, you can almost count on a vacation from sensible eating for a day or two! Even when I freeze them, they call me from deep down in the freezer. “Come and get me!” they say. “I’m delicious! Who said you can’t enjoy me? I’m whole wheat after all. Aren’t I healthy?”

Another distant voice nags at my consciousness that I could and should use 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 sometimes I need immediate gratification.

If you have recently said “no” to a temptation you’ll know that there is an immediate reward. It’s called satisfaction. After saying no, meaning it, and sticking to it, there is a thrill that I get. It’s a feeling that says I can take charge of my decisions. I can use the head knowledge I have and apply it. I am strong, committed, and capable. I am successful.

If we’re looking for immediate gratification, it doesn’t get much better than a warm glow of self-approval. Saying “no” really does give heaps of rewards.