We all know that the Principle of Scarcity teaches us that things appear more valuable when they are scarce and less available. It seems perfectly understandable to think that hundreds or even thousands of years ago if you had enough food to feed yourself and your family you prospered; if you did not you were in trouble. The same could be said of people today living in poverty, war torn countries or areas subjected to natural disaster including drought.
I recently watched a video with my family called Food Matters. The documentary explored the issue of modern western food habits and nutrition. They did a good job of discussing how our bodies are not turning against us in the diet war, instead we are wired to seize the opportunity to have sweet and fatty foods. In fact, in our distant past we were designed to maximise this type of food in feast times, our body undergoing a chemical reaction to convert it into fat stores for the inevitable famine that would follow.
In today’s modern society however famine is further away for most in the modern western world; if non-existent for some.
In the documentary author Jason Vale pondered on the concept of can’t. If we think,
I want that but I can’t have it
This has an impact on our behaviour. If we think we can’t have something then we are more likely to seize the opportunity when it comes around.
Instead Vale suggested we should think about certain types of foods and in fact any damaging habit as
I can have it but I don’t want it.
With this simple shift from Scarcity to Consistency we no longer see the food (or habit) as something to be lost therefore neutralising the impact of Scarcity. Instead we counter the loss with the intrinsic motivation saying we do not want and more importantly need it.
Implication
Therefore in dealing with everyday negative behaviours think to yourself, I could have it but choose not to.
You can therefore influence your biology by using your psychology (although it may be tough and you may slip). Seek to create the habit you desire.
Food Matters: http://www.foodmatters.tv/
The post Scarcity Is Making You Fat appeared first on Social Influence Consulting Group.