Re:The best way to exercise self-control is not to exercise ...
by rmoriz on Sunday August 16, 2020 @02:17PM
(#24179927)
You are absolutely right on the "availability". Most of the time I've ordered groceries online which requires me to place orders days before delivery. Due to the minimums (90€) I had to bulk purchase and somewhat plan meals. This reduced my grocery shopping occasions to 2 occasions per months and there was no instant gratification (sweets, fast food, "bad stuff") possible.
That said, after the first couple of weeks my taste buds somewhat changed and I taste sugar in raw cooked vegetables (carrots, brokkoli, brussel sprouts). I now love raw, frozen vegetables without any additions steamed in the microwave or steam cooker. Great vitamin and fibre source and one can add even a high-fat dipping sauce or some cheese without screwing up the calories.
I'd also note that not having any food in the house was a major help in this as well. Even if I had a non-stop mini-market 2 minutes walk away, the small friction of having to go there stopped many a cheat meal.