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Self-Control Is Unnatural: Study

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2009 8:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – When you wolf down a box of cookies at midnight, it only shows you're being human and relinquishing your self-control, Meredith Small writes on LiveScience. A recent study supports your habit, showing that subjects following the story of a waiter who resists gourmet dishes finally have to eat the same food themselves. "Apparently, it's human nature to be out of control," Small writes.

But unlike our ancestors hunting in the savanna, compelled to kill more for the survival of the group, us modern folk control our urges to live together. "It takes a lot to live with people day after day and not kill them," Small writes. "But that kind of self-control has become so painful in the modern world because there is so much to want." It's only natural to to seek release by eating "half, or even a whole, box of cookies in one sitting."

Chang Wing Man from Hong Kong, reported as the 'Glutton Lady' eats during the Asia Eating Contest final on May 28, 2006 in Shanghai, China.
Chang Wing Man from Hong Kong, reported as the 'Glutton Lady' eats during the Asia Eating Contest final on May 28, 2006 in Shanghai, China.   (Getty Images)
Continuous self-control leads to bouts of indulgence, a recent study says.
Continuous self-control leads to bouts of indulgence, a recent study says.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Rob
Apr 13, 2009 4:07 AM CDT
It's not pseudo-science. It's basic evolutionary concepts and makes perfect sense. It's actually an old idea that is being introduced here to the general public again. Humans are made to search for and horde rare high energy foods. What's wrong with that idea?
Derni
Apr 11, 2009 12:31 PM CDT
That primitive brain stem still rules the frontal lobe! Thank goodness I'm addicted to sex and not food!
riffran
Apr 11, 2009 11:21 AM CDT
thats funny..."GIVE ME CHOCOLATE CHIP WITH EXTRA CHIPS AND PECAN SPRINKLES.........OR GIVE ME DEATH...I REGRET THAT I HAVE BUT ONE BELT TO GIVE TO MY WAISTLINE!"...... :).....*I hear ya there Jimmy*....lol

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