United Barbell

Vitamins, whether placebo or legit, can make you feel invincible - unfortunately reality is not so sweet.

I read an article on the plane yesterday that struck my attention about the psychological v. physical effects of dietary supplements in Time Magazine. It discussed concept called the "licensing effect" from taking supplements. When people take supplements, (like the subject in the article) they feel invincible and stronger despite the science of what is happening in their bodies - so whether it is the power of the actual drug or a strong psychological placebo, you feel healthier. The licensing effect occurs as people make poor choices because they feel that their new state gives them a license to indulge. Not only were people making poor food choices (dessert anyone?), but looking the results from a multiple studies show people were also more likely to engage in poor behavior (e.g. casual sex, smoking, excessive drinking, etc.).

Although this behavior has been mostly linked to supplementation - I would argue it also happens with diet and exercise. How often have you thought "Well, I CrossFitted today, so it's ok if I eat this slice of pizza." Or maybe "I ate paleo all week and the scale is down another couple pounds, so I'll treat myself to that ice cream sundae." When you focus on diet and exercise, you will get closer to your goals. Rewarding yourself is important, but don't pick rewards that come in direct opposition to your overall goals. Straying for the sake of indulgence is a form of self-sabatoge that can lead you further from your goals than when you started.