Want better self control? Avoid the sugar rush

Poor willpower can be directly linked to blood sugar levels, according to a new book

"Go on, what harm can it do..?" How many times have you given in to the voice of temptation that tells you to eat another biscuit, skip the gym or have one more ciggie?

If your list of best qualities doesn't include willpower (and whose does?), the answer to achieving better self control may be easier than you think.

According to new book, Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength, lapses in resolve can be directly linked to our blood-sugar levels.

STOP YOUR SUGAR ADDICTIONAuthors Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney claim that when our glucose levels are at their lowest, we're more likely to make bad decisions and cave in to temptation.

So what can we do? Firstly reach for foods that are low on the Glycemic Index (GI) scale, such as a handful of blueberries or nuts, rather than sweets or chocolate. Secondly, eat small, regular meals throughout the day to ensure your blood sugar levels don't plummet.

"The old advice about eating a good breakfast applies all day long, particularly on days when you're physically or mentally stressed," they write. "So don't get into an argument with your boss four hours after lunch and don't thrash out serious problems with your partner just before dinner."

EASY WEIGHT LOSS TIPSThe authors claim we start each day with only so much willpower which is depleted as we use it. So, if you're trying to exercise self control over three areas of your life, you're less likely to succeed than if you pick just one thing to change.

"People who are trying to quit smoking, for example, will have their best shot at succeeding if they aren't changing other behaviours at the same time," they say.

You should also get plenty of sleep if you want to improve your self control - those who sleep longer at night have more willpower as they are more rested.

Keeping that little voice of temptation quiet could be as simple as eating well regularly throughout the day, getting plenty of sleep and not trying to resist too many things at once. Sounds easy!


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