If you have a candy dish anywhere near your computer, you might want to consider moving it somewhere which isn’t as easy to get to. In this article titled “The office candy dish: A beast that renders humans powerless“, the author summarizes (and links to) research from Cornell University regarding the subject.
The article describes the ‘candy dish temptation’ perfectly:
We can say ‘no’ 27 times, but if (food is) visible, the 28th or 29th time, we start saying, ‘maybe.’ By time 30, 31, we start saying, ‘What the heck? I’m hungry’.
I admit I had this problem when I had peppermints in a jar on the end of my desk. I have since replaced the jar with bananas and cashews, which is a much better choice. Out of sight, out of mind, looks like the best way to tackle this ‘beast’.
Jason Faulkner is the man who brings you our daily tips. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Interesting.
I used to have a box of chocolates by my computer. Of course, they melted in the combined heat of my laptop, server, and the summer. But while they were there I always reached for them without even thinking. The same goes for a bowl of chips.
Seems whenever food is around, I munch on it absent-mindedly if I’m using my computer.
You should try standing behind a counter that has chocolates on sale. I usually give in at least once a day!
OK, so how come it does not work if we replace the candy dish with a pair of sneakers? Instead of reaching for the candy, you reach for the sneakers and take a short walk? Sometimes I sit at the computer for so long, I think rigamortis sets into my joints!
@ingrid: that’s because after a week you’ll just fill those sneakers with M&M’s and use it as a replacement candy dish