theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 50 DINING OUT HEALTH & WELLNESS he temptation to engage in a clandestine activity, self-gratification, or self-indulgence has existed since the beginning of time and occurs at every age. Even an infant, when given the opportunity, will place any object in their mouth as a temptation to suck or feed. There is generally a negative connotation associated with temptation, as we can be drawn to things that compromise our health, relationships, self-worth, ability to attain short and long-term goals, and moral integrity. However, temptation can also facilitate our ability for self-discipline, maintain morals, integrity, and make healthy choices. Temptations are indulged because they speak directly to our need for self-gratification capturing our attention in an effort to make us feel good in the moment, without considering the long-term consequences of giving into temptations. In the moment, temptations create faulty thinking to minimize or justify the choice with inner statements such as, “It’s no big deal, I can do this just once,” or “no one will ever know.” Resisting temptation becomes most difficult when we are experiencing stress, hunger, fatigue, or unhappiness. Temptation is also the most powerful when we are exposed to the negative choice repeatedly. We become desensitized to the alcohol, sleep aide, pastry, or whatever the negative temptation is, making it “okay” and “normal” because it no longer becomes a novel, exhilarating feeling. Imagine being an alcoholic working as a bartender, or an obese person with a craving for sweets working in a bakery! It might be easier to refuse the cheesecake when offered as a dessert after dinner, compared to seeing many cheesecakes being consumed every day-intensifying the need to indulge and tricking oneself by internalizing, “Many people eat it so I can do it just this once.” Yeah, right. Now, consider time spent on the internet and social media and all the temptations we are exposed to for hours and hours each day! You all know what I am talking about because you experience web-based temptations including sex, extramarital cyber affairs, massive Amazon purchases, etc. The good news is that temptation can be managed by frequently reminding yourself of your short and long-term goals, and by avoiding people, places, and things that weaken our ability to submit. Learn to pause and think before acting when exposed to a choice that will probably result in some negative consequences. This will help you overcome the immediate pleasure or sensation and remind you of the longterm negative consequences of this indulgence. With every resistance to temptation, we strengthen our integrity, moral compass, and desire to be a better, healthier person. Dr. Michael Osit is a Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director and owner of Watchung Psychological Associates in Warren, NJ. He is also the author of Generation Text: Raising Well Adjusted Kids In An Age Of Instant Everything and The Train Keeps Leaving Without Me: A Guide To Happiness, Freedom, and Self-Fulfillment. MIND THE MIND Temptation A Timeless and Ageless Allure By Dr. Michael Osit T Wellness Made Simple Our Services Individualized Counseling Nutrition Plan Session Pantry/Kitchen Home Allergen Detective (Virtual) MRT Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Testing Package Brand + Media Consulting Erica Fand MS, RD, CDN erica@jewelednutrition.com Published Articles: Citykiddies, Enjoy Life Foods Mindbodygreen Packages
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