I have often wondered why people play the “game” of Russian roulette. It is a game of chance and risk where one round of ammunition is placed into the chamber of the gun, the cylinder spun, the gun put to the head, and the trigger pulled. With each spin of the cylinder the risk increases. Some even die while playing, but even the idea of death is not enough to deter many from playing. The idea of the so-called game is absolutely absurd to me because of the risk involved and the possibility of death. What if I told you the choices that we make everyday play a type of Russian roulette with our health? We have pulled our health triggers so many times that today indeed may be the day when the consequences of our actions are seen.
Temptation means to be enticed or led to do something you would not ordinarily do. This usually happens after a stressful situation. Triggers for temptation foods include things such as stress, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and boredom. The most important thing is to recognize triggers prior to the temptation and learn ways to combat them. In our health Russian roulette, the temptation is the gun, the trigger is the stressor that causes us to reach for the food and the bullet is the foods that we eat. Each time we give in to the temptation the cylinder spins and we are one step closer to death. Each time we give in the risks rises.
Most of us know what our temptation foods are based on how we feel after we have eaten them. These foods have become our enemies because they are destructive in the way we consume them. They cause us to feel shame, guilt, hopelessness. Temptation foods seem to be in control of us rather than us being in control of them. There is usually a feeling of failure; a feeling of “I can’t believe I have done this again”. They cause you to feel temporary relief from the stress, but after you have eaten them you feel even worse than when you were stressed.
The first step in resisting/avoiding temptation is to recognize when and where the temptation comes. Is it a particular place, person, event or occasion that stirs the desire? If so, the answer may be to avoid them. Another answer could be to develop different coping mechanisms for the stressor such as exercising, journaling or therapy. Another step could be learning to reward yourself with things other than food. Get your hair done, go for a bike ride, take a walk in nature, get a massage, visit or call a friend, or take time to pray. Most importantly do not give in to temptation. It is not worth the risk to your health.
Today, don’t pull the trigger on temptation. Resist the urges and consider your journey. Don’t go backward, continue forward. Continue your journey to a healthier you so that you can be Revived Through Nutrition!
Nutrition and Health Solutions 