When it comes to resisting the lure of tempting, high-risk foods – choose your words wisely. In a fascinating series of experiments, researchers determined that the specific words or the “self-talk” we choose to personally shun foods we want to avoid can make a dramatic difference in our success. The investigators found that simply saying “I don’t” was three times more effective than saying “no” and eight times more effective than saying “I can’t.”

Researchers concluded that triumph with food refusal can be greatly enhanced by using language that cultivates and fosters a sense of self-empowerment and self-control so learn to say “I do not eat ____.” Indeed – two of the most indispensable character traits for maintaining health and body weight in our insanely permissive and toxic food culture are personal empowerment and self-discipline. (Journal of Consumer Research, 35(2) August 2012)