Quite often we will interchange the words ‘Need” and “Want” when referring to something we desire. Here is a definition of the word “NEED”: require (something) because it is essential or very important. Here is a definition of the word “WANT”: have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for.
As we can see, the concepts of “NEED” and “WANT” are quite different.
Turning to the arena of food and drink intake, there are clearly differences between the concepts of “NEEDS” and “WANTS”. Obviously, we NEED a certain amount of water and nutrient intake to survive. If we were stranded in a hot dessert, we most certainly NEED to find water because if we do not, we will die. In a different scenario, if we were in front of our televisions eating salty pretzels, we WANT a glass of water to satisfy our thirst but we certainly would not die if we did not obtain that water.
During a long term weight control journey it is important to remember and distinguish between the food and drink items that we “NEED” vs. those that we “WANT”. We do NOT “NEED” desserts, alcohol containing drinks, high caloric snacks, etc. Yes, we WANT those items as they provide an immediate gratification of sorts but we do not actually “NEED” them.
Moving away from the food/drink arena of “NEEDS” and “WANTS” a similar situation occurs when we head into the local Walmart, Home Depot and other big box retailers. We will head into these stores on a mission to purchase something and wind up coming home with lots of other things. Do we actually NEED those other items that drove up our bill or did we simply “WANT” them?
And if there are fellow NY Giant football fans out there, all we NEED is a miracle for this season to not fall apart in the first few weeks.
Enjoy Mike and The Mechanics.
