Is there a difference between willpower and self-control?

Anna — Thu, 24 May 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Every once in a while we all need a bit of a self-evaluation - even good ol' Anna!

As soon as summer hits I make it a point to get outside more, eat more fresh produce and clean up any sluggish winter habits. Over the weekend a friend and I had a discussion about my so-called willpower - to workout regularly and stick by a fairly clean diet. Then this morning I uncovered a study by the Mayo Clinic in my latest edition of Oxygen magazine. According to Mayo researchers self-control is much more effective and different than willpower...who woulda known?

The folks at the Mayo Clinic lay it out like this:

Willpower is this: "I am going to a friend's BBQ this weekend and I'm making brownies for everyone else, but I'm just going to eat salad."

Self-control is this: "I am not going to make brownies because I will be too tempted by them. Instead I'll bring a fresh fruit tray and a healthy salad so I know there will be something that I can eat at the BBQ."

So I believe what they are saying is that willpower is stating you'll make a change, but not removing the temptations in your life; whereas self-control is making a change and taking action to make it happen (no brownies for fear of temptation). I think I'm going to take action and start focusing on self-control a little more so than just old fashioned willpower. You know, pre-making healthy meals so that I'm not stuck stopping at a convenience store, etc.

After all - I'm only human :p

What are the sodium-rich culprits in your diet?

Anna — Thu, 17 May 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Your doctor has given you a stern warning – cut down the sodium in your diet! So you start adding just a pinch of salt to your vegetables at dinner time. You think you’ve cut the sodium in your diet in ½ right?

Wrong!

Unbeknownst to you, the processed foods in your diet contribute a whopping 77 percent more sodium to your daily diet – and that’s even before you added that pinch of salt!

True, your body does require a certain amount of sodium to function properly. Essential sodium maintains the fluid levels in your body by replacing vital electrolytes after you sweat them out during rigorous activity. It also helps muscles relax and contract, and it aids kidney function. However, when you consume too much sodium, the body begins to store it in your bloodstream, making your heart and kidneys work harder – which can eventually result in kidney or heart disease.

According to the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, sodium levels, for an average healthy adult, should not exceed 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day – less if you are over 50-years of age, or if you have diabetes or an existing heart or kidney condition.

Keep your eyes peeled for the following sodium-rich culprits:

Processed foods – such as crackers, chips, pickles, canned vegetables and soup, lunch meats and
Condiments – such as margarine, butter, mayonnaise ketchup, pasta sauces, soy sauces and dressings.
Meats – especially red meats and meats like bacon and ham tend to be higher in sodium.

So how do you cut the sodium in your diet? Consume a diet largely made up of fresh foods.

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Is there a difference between willpower and self-control?

What are the sodium-rich culprits in your diet?