Science Proves What Parents Have Always Known

Willpower is simply the ability to choose to do something and stand by that choice. Scientists have, apparently, demonstrated it’s a finite resource. Apparently, the culprit is glucose, or lack thereof. Turns out it takes energy to exercise willpower:

Further studies have suggested that willpower is fueled by glucose- which helps explain why our determination crumbles when we try to lose weight. When we don’t eat, our glucose drops, and our willpower along with it. “We call it the dieter’s catch-22: In order to not eat, you need willpower. But in order to have willpower you need to eat,” says John Tierney…

Every parent since the beginning of time has run up against this phenomena:

Child: Can I have some candy?
Parent: No.

Several seconds later…
Child: Can I have some candy?
Parent: No.

Several seconds later…
Child: Can I have some candy?
Parent: No.

Several seconds later…
Child: Can I have some candy?
Parent: No.

Several seconds later…
Child: Can I have some candy?
Parent: FINE! HAVE THE WHOLE BAG! ROT YOUR TEETH!

Not to mention all the times where the initial request is just a feint. They ask for the candy, but they’re really after video games or something. It’s like Chinese Water Torture. Except, I’m not Chinese and there’s no water involved.

Of course, this evidence also suggests a solution. Go grab a candy bar before our willpower gives out. Just be sure sure to brush our teeth afterwords…