The other morning while trying to get my toddler dressed, I pointed out that we were both wearing black pants, of course, she asked “why are we wearing black pants, Mommy?” My answer was, “because it’s one less decision I have to make.”
Think about it, how many choices do you make every morning, even before leaving the house? Should I hit snooze on my alarm? Do I have time to shave in the shower? What should I wear? What should I eat for breakfast? Should I have a second cup of coffee? If you’re a parent, the number of choices increases dramatically. Notice that several of those choices include “should” – which implies that the choice has valuation — a correct and incorrect response(at least in your mind), or as is frequently the situation with food choices, perceptions of good or bad.
The endless stream of decisions we make during the day is actually exhausting, mentally, emotionally, and arguably, physically, even if we don’t consciously perceive it as such. Numerous studies and well researched articles demonstrate that decision fatigue is a pervasive problem. As the day progresses, depending on the number, importance, and valuation of choices made, your ability to make rational decisions, especially those that depend on self-control or willpower, diminishes. Fascinatingly, poor decision-making is aggravated when blood glucose is low, as is usually the case when someone is hungry or dieting. No, you’re not hallucinating, exercising willpower is harder when you’re hungry.
Take a moment to think about a recent time when you had a difficult time making a decision related to food. Where were you? How many choices were available? How hungry were you? How did the situation make you feel? Generally speaking, we view choice as good when food is involved. I am thrilled when presented with a variety of healthy options. However, for some, especially those who juggle multiple dietary constraints (food allergies or intolerances, specific guidelines from a diet plan, etc.), a variety of choices is fatiguing and may result in sub-optimal decision-making. Food researcher, Brian Wasink found most people make over 200 food choices everyday. When faced with that many food decisions, it’s easy to see how we become overwhelmed and often revert to the easiest, most familiar and accessible option.
Personally, I try to take some choice out of the equation by maintaining habits related to food. When I go to eat at a restaurant, I order vegetarian or vegan (although I’m neither) and I look for an option that’s composed mostly vegetables, a little lean protein, some healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates. Generally with those parameters, there are only one or two choices on the menu, so my decision-making process is far more simple. At home, I have a small number of go-to recipes and meals I prepare frequently which saves time and energy on meal planning. I keep my refrigerator and pantry stocked with the ingredients for those meals, so I can prepare them anytime. Although the word “rule” has negative connotations, establishing guidelines for the types of foods you will eat takes some of the choice, and consequently, stress out of mealtimes.
Which brings me back to the black pants. My wardrobe contains only what I’ve deemed essential — everything in my closet serves a specific purpose and is enjoyable to wear. This structure makes getting dressed exponentially more straightforward, and (modesty aside) I consistently look more put-together than I have in the past. Similarly, I’ve found that a home without much stuff is easy to keep clean (even with a toddler) and is more calming and inviting than a space jam-packed with things. Finally, I have habitualized many routines and made them non-negotiable. A few of my habits: a 2 cup of coffee limit, conscious stress reduction, exercise at least 5 days a week, getting 6-8 hours of sleep, and washing the dishes after every meal.
Simplifying your diet and wardrobe, minimizing stuff, and habitualizing routines, will help reduce the number of choices in your day – meaning the choices you must make are made with a fresher, more nimble, and capable brain – leading to more positive outcomes.