We all know that accountability can be valuable to help us consistently eat healthier. Even so, many of us resist seeking out accountability. Personally, I don’t utilize accountability because I feel like I should be able to do it on my own. I know exactly what I want to do. All I need to do is resist temptations so I can consistently eat healthier.
Easy, right?
Willpower is Limited
In theory, yes. We should be able to resist temptation and consistently eat healthier if that is our goal. However, just deciding to do something has us relying on willpower to resist temptations. Unfortunately, willpower is limited.
Every time you make a decision throughout the day, you use a little bit of willpower. Even something as simple as, should I wear a coat requires you to stay focused and make a decision.
Sometimes, by the end of the day, our willpower is all used up. That’s exactly why we need something else in place to help us consistently eat healthier.
There are lots of things that you can put in place to help. For today, let’s take a look at the value of accountability to help us consistently eat healthier.
Value of Accountability #1
Perform Better Under Observation
A common healthy eating goal is to skip dessert during the week. If you share this goal with perhaps a coworker, then you know for sure they will notice if you grab a handful of chocolates off someone’s desk. You know they are watching you. This helps motivate you to follow through.
If only you know your goal, it is easier to cheat yourself.
Value of Accountability #2
Set Measurable Goals
If we are setting a goal with an accountability partner, we will set a measurable goal. Without accountability, we might set a vague goal like:
- I am going to eat less sugar.
- I am going to eat a healthier breakfast.
Instead of a measurable goal like:
- I am going to skip all the sugary drinks.
- I am going to eat egg muffins for breakfast.
A measurable goal can be tracked, so it holds us more accountable. At the end of the day, we know for sure if we have accomplished it.
Value of Accountability #3
Better Follow Through
We all want to share
Value of Accountability #4
Focus on Today
Another value of accountability is that it helps us focus on the now. All you have to do is follow through today. No need to worry about tomorrow. No need to focus on next Monday. Just be accountable to your healthy eating goals today.
By taking it one day at a time, it feels less stressful. It becomes more manageable. This makes it easier to be successful.
Value of Accountability #5
Slip-Ups Remain Small
Accountability assures you will get support and encouragement to get back on track. This helps us resist the temptation to throw in the towel. We focus on the positive rather than the negative.
Negative: I already ate a handful of candy, I might as well eat this entire row of cookies.
Positive: I ate that candy, and now I happily choose to get right back on track.
Accountability helps us stay focused on our goals. We are more likely to get back on track rather than quitting.
Getting Accountability
There are so many ways to get accountability. When adding accountability, make sure it is supportive. Slips ups are going to happen. We don’t want to be held accountable with shame or criticism. The value of accountability is that we feel supported and encouraged to consistently eat healthier.
If you are looking for some accountability, then I encourage you to join the Stress-Free Weight Loss Community here. We are a supportive group of women who motivate and encourage each other to reach and maintain a feel-good weight.
Hey, before you go, join the Stress-Free Eating Community. It is an awesome ‘private’ Facebook Group for women who struggle to stick to a healthy eating plan and want exclusive tips, trainings and strategies so they can tap into their brainpower versus willpower and easily choose the healthiest options for them.
Each week there is a mini-challenge to help you build smart habits, strategies to make staying on track to reaching your feel-good weight easier, #healthyfoodtastesgood recipes, accountability check-ins, and opportunities to connect and have fun.
