I'm thinking about the different ways we can measure for our weight loss success. In this case, not measuring our bodies, but measuring what we take in to our mouths.
You know I Refuse to Diet and that diets don't work, so before you start thinking I'm just talking about a diet by another name, hear me out!
I'm not talking about measuring as a way of limitation--that would be a diet.
I'm saying we should measure because if we honestly look at what we are eating and drinking, most of us don't know what a "serving" is! By measuring we can train ourselves to what a serving looks like in our glass or on our plate, and to what a serving feels like in our bellies!
Of course we do not have to measure every morsel that goes into our mouths for the rest of our lives. On the other hand, it doesn't hurt to double check ourselves once in a while, especially if we find our clothes are getting a bit tighter and yet we feel like we have not changed our eating patterns.
Realize that what a restaurant serves is usually considerably more than a serving's worth, so we don't want to eat restaurant portions all the time. However, restaurants also measure what they serve. That way they know how many patrons they can serve and they can stay on their financial budget.
Measuring what we eat and drink can keep us honest with ourselves. It is another tool that we can use to keep our eating at a conscious level. It allows us to be in control and to make the choices about what we eat, and how much.
Give yourself a chance to have weight loss success by measuring--at least once in a while--to be sure you are heading down the right path and making healthy choices!
Showing posts with label deprivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deprivation. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Weight Loss Meals
I know a lot of people tell you to avoid all carbohydrates if you are trying to lose weight. I do not believe that is a healthy path to be on...nor is it realistic, even if they mean "starches" rather than true carbohydrates.
Instead, eat foods that provide you a balance of nutrients for optimum health. Give yourself a break--not every meal has to be perfectly balanced...look at what you eat on the whole. So in a given day or week are you eating enough fruits and vegetables, are you getting in healthy fats, etc.
Eat consciously, mindfully, rather than distractedly or unconsciously.
And include some carbs (yes, even "starches") in your menus. They help us to feel satisfied and avoid feelings of deprivation which can lead to binges later.
For example, for our mid-day meal today (it will be our main meal, which is common for us on Sundays these days since Mom has moved to town) we are having pork roast (very lean), baked potatoes and steamed broccoli. Yummm! Yes, there will be butter on the potatoes (I like my broccoli plain, thank you, but others in the family will add butter to their broccoli.) Or I may use EVOO and some Bragg's liquid aminos...I like that combination and it is healthier than butter.
And for dessert we have fresh strawberries...maybe the last of the year. :-(
What are you having to eat? Are you making a healthy choice today? Why or why not...no judgment, just want you to think about it and make the choice on a conscious level. There is nothing inherently wrong with making some unhealthy choices--as long as you recognize what you are doing and are in control.
Instead, eat foods that provide you a balance of nutrients for optimum health. Give yourself a break--not every meal has to be perfectly balanced...look at what you eat on the whole. So in a given day or week are you eating enough fruits and vegetables, are you getting in healthy fats, etc.
Eat consciously, mindfully, rather than distractedly or unconsciously.
And include some carbs (yes, even "starches") in your menus. They help us to feel satisfied and avoid feelings of deprivation which can lead to binges later.
For example, for our mid-day meal today (it will be our main meal, which is common for us on Sundays these days since Mom has moved to town) we are having pork roast (very lean), baked potatoes and steamed broccoli. Yummm! Yes, there will be butter on the potatoes (I like my broccoli plain, thank you, but others in the family will add butter to their broccoli.) Or I may use EVOO and some Bragg's liquid aminos...I like that combination and it is healthier than butter.
And for dessert we have fresh strawberries...maybe the last of the year. :-(
What are you having to eat? Are you making a healthy choice today? Why or why not...no judgment, just want you to think about it and make the choice on a conscious level. There is nothing inherently wrong with making some unhealthy choices--as long as you recognize what you are doing and are in control.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Weight Loss Success Foods That Boost Your Spirits
In your effort to have weight loss success have you gone on a diet, only to feel like one of the Dwarves…maybe Dopey, but definitely a little Grumpy?
You are not alone!
Between feeling deprived and actually BEING deprived of certain nutrients, it is common that we get grumpy, or sad, or a myriad of other emotions.
Can anything be done about it?
Of course! Refusing to diet is part of the solution—because going on a diet we will feel deprived. Maybe not the first couple days or maybe even weeks, but at some point we just are feeling like we are getting the foods we want.
But declaring “I refuse to diet” does not mean that we don’t want to lose weight successfully. It just means that we make smart choices about our food intake and moving our bodies. These choices include honoring our feelings and getting the nutritional support needed to help keep our emotions balanced.
Foods to Choose to Improve your Mood:
Healthy Fats: especially the Omega 3 fatty-acids which include things like flaxseed; fish: salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna; nuts, especially walnuts. These fats also help our body lose weight and help us to feel more satisfied, so be sure to include some healthy fat in your menu plan.
Vitamin B6 and C: These two are both critical for our bodies to produce serotonin, the “feel good” hormone. B6 is found in a variety of foods like red bell peppers (a personal favorite), spinach and nuts. Vitamin C of course is found in citrus but also in cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli and those red bell peppers I love!
Vitamin B12: B12 is believed to combat both fatigue and depression. B12 is only found in animal products. You can get ample B12 by eating low fat dairy products but if you are vegan you will definitely need to take a supplement.
Vitamin D: depression is often a symptom of not enough Vitamin D. Most of us can get enough by getting out in the sun about 20 minutes (more or less depending on your coloring) a day without sunscreen.
Carbohydrates: carbs have gotten a bad rap in the weight loss world, many people think we need to cut them out completely, but if we do that we lose out on a lot of really good nutrition. And carbs really are the fastest way to fuel your brain and create serotonin. The problem is we generally grab SIMPLE carbs which just cause a rapid spike in our blood sugar which is followed by a big crash. We just can’t successfully lose weight if we are on that simple carb blood sugar roller coaster. Instead choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains.
Weight Loss Tip: to get the benefit of the carb and keep it working for you longer, always eat a small amount of protein with your carbs. My friend Dr. Linda has told me even a few almonds will do the trick!
You are not alone!
Between feeling deprived and actually BEING deprived of certain nutrients, it is common that we get grumpy, or sad, or a myriad of other emotions.
Can anything be done about it?
Of course! Refusing to diet is part of the solution—because going on a diet we will feel deprived. Maybe not the first couple days or maybe even weeks, but at some point we just are feeling like we are getting the foods we want.
But declaring “I refuse to diet” does not mean that we don’t want to lose weight successfully. It just means that we make smart choices about our food intake and moving our bodies. These choices include honoring our feelings and getting the nutritional support needed to help keep our emotions balanced.
Foods to Choose to Improve your Mood:
Healthy Fats: especially the Omega 3 fatty-acids which include things like flaxseed; fish: salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna; nuts, especially walnuts. These fats also help our body lose weight and help us to feel more satisfied, so be sure to include some healthy fat in your menu plan.
Vitamin B6 and C: These two are both critical for our bodies to produce serotonin, the “feel good” hormone. B6 is found in a variety of foods like red bell peppers (a personal favorite), spinach and nuts. Vitamin C of course is found in citrus but also in cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli and those red bell peppers I love!
Vitamin B12: B12 is believed to combat both fatigue and depression. B12 is only found in animal products. You can get ample B12 by eating low fat dairy products but if you are vegan you will definitely need to take a supplement.
Vitamin D: depression is often a symptom of not enough Vitamin D. Most of us can get enough by getting out in the sun about 20 minutes (more or less depending on your coloring) a day without sunscreen.
Carbohydrates: carbs have gotten a bad rap in the weight loss world, many people think we need to cut them out completely, but if we do that we lose out on a lot of really good nutrition. And carbs really are the fastest way to fuel your brain and create serotonin. The problem is we generally grab SIMPLE carbs which just cause a rapid spike in our blood sugar which is followed by a big crash. We just can’t successfully lose weight if we are on that simple carb blood sugar roller coaster. Instead choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains.
Weight Loss Tip: to get the benefit of the carb and keep it working for you longer, always eat a small amount of protein with your carbs. My friend Dr. Linda has told me even a few almonds will do the trick!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Diet Nightmares of Thanksgiving Past
Today as I was making turkey soup (one of my favorite Thanksgiving activities) I flashed back to past Thanksgivings when I would deprive myself of foods I loved because I was dieting.
Particularly memorable was the very first Thanksgiving that I made on my own, in my apartment.
I was a sophomore in college and had been cast in a theater production (Boccaccio Rhythm Theater…a bawdy collection of stories based on Boccaccio’s Decameron from the 1350’s…yes, this was a musical based on the era of the Black Plague.) OK, so that’s a long side note, the point was we were required to be present for rehearsals the day before and day after Thanksgiving. Since it was 100 miles each way and I didn’t have a car, there was no way I could go home for Thanksgiving.
Thus my first Thanksgiving away from home, my parents came to see me, and I prepared the full feast. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie (from fresh pumpkins) and a mock mincemeat pie for Dad, his favorite. I don’t remember what else I made, but there was ample food for probably dozens of people even though there were just 4 of us—but that’s part of the Thanksgiving tradition, right?
Sounds like a pretty good memory right? Everything turned out well, to my recollection.
The thing was, I wouldn’t eat a bite of it.
Because I was dieting.
You see, that summer I had gone on the now-infamous “liquid protein diet.” I drank less than 400 calories a day. I was coaching and teaching swimming, so I swam my laps and was in the water pretty much all day long. It worked. I ended up losing over 60 pounds by the time I was done—about 15 more than I should have as a matter of fact.
At the beginning of November that year I weighed in at 110 pounds. I thought I was still fat and I was determined not to gain the weight back. So when I was up to 113 pounds right before Thanksgiving I decided that I wouldn’t eat again until I lost the 3 pounds. This was actually the method the diet prescribed and boy, did I follow it to the letter.
But I couldn’t stick to it. Not for long. This is one of the very real reasons diets don't work. Because I never dealt with the emotional reasons behind my eating, I was destined to ultimately overeat and gain weight.
I’m not saying I’m perfect these days, but I’m sure a lot better! I eat for health and for pleasure…and, yes, sometimes I eat for emotional reasons even though I know that’s not the healthiest choice. Taking of the mantle of perfection has really been liberating for me and allows me to love myself as I am now and allows for me to grow and become even better in the future.
That is something I am extremely grateful for!
Particularly memorable was the very first Thanksgiving that I made on my own, in my apartment.
I was a sophomore in college and had been cast in a theater production (Boccaccio Rhythm Theater…a bawdy collection of stories based on Boccaccio’s Decameron from the 1350’s…yes, this was a musical based on the era of the Black Plague.) OK, so that’s a long side note, the point was we were required to be present for rehearsals the day before and day after Thanksgiving. Since it was 100 miles each way and I didn’t have a car, there was no way I could go home for Thanksgiving.
Thus my first Thanksgiving away from home, my parents came to see me, and I prepared the full feast. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie (from fresh pumpkins) and a mock mincemeat pie for Dad, his favorite. I don’t remember what else I made, but there was ample food for probably dozens of people even though there were just 4 of us—but that’s part of the Thanksgiving tradition, right?
Sounds like a pretty good memory right? Everything turned out well, to my recollection.
The thing was, I wouldn’t eat a bite of it.
Because I was dieting.
You see, that summer I had gone on the now-infamous “liquid protein diet.” I drank less than 400 calories a day. I was coaching and teaching swimming, so I swam my laps and was in the water pretty much all day long. It worked. I ended up losing over 60 pounds by the time I was done—about 15 more than I should have as a matter of fact.
At the beginning of November that year I weighed in at 110 pounds. I thought I was still fat and I was determined not to gain the weight back. So when I was up to 113 pounds right before Thanksgiving I decided that I wouldn’t eat again until I lost the 3 pounds. This was actually the method the diet prescribed and boy, did I follow it to the letter.
But I couldn’t stick to it. Not for long. This is one of the very real reasons diets don't work. Because I never dealt with the emotional reasons behind my eating, I was destined to ultimately overeat and gain weight.
I’m not saying I’m perfect these days, but I’m sure a lot better! I eat for health and for pleasure…and, yes, sometimes I eat for emotional reasons even though I know that’s not the healthiest choice. Taking of the mantle of perfection has really been liberating for me and allows me to love myself as I am now and allows for me to grow and become even better in the future.
That is something I am extremely grateful for!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dump Your Clump
I heard this phrase from Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive, at a conference I attended. She was referring to how important it is to move around and meet new people at events...don’t just hang out with the people you came with or met the first day.
Well, this may also be something you have to face when you lose weight. If you have been treating food like a drug and abusing it then you may have to disengage from people who were part of that lifestyle.
I believe for most of us, it can be different with food than other drugs. It can be harder or easier...depending on how you choose to look at it!
It is possible to never have alcohol or narcotics or cigarettes again. You can cut them out of your life completely. Can’t do that with food! So there will be temptations and opportunities to overindulge every day.
This is why you HAVE to change your mind first. If you don’t, then you will have to struggle the rest of your life with the inner demons. I’d rather change my thinking and get those demons gone or at least corralled a bit and make it easier on myself later.
But here’s the deal...if you have “friends” that the only reason you socialize with them is because they are eating buddies...you know what I mean...you only get together over food, or you only talk about food or dieting with them...then you might need to drop those relationships, at least temporarily.
If the relationship is deeper than that and it can evolve—fantastic! But put your health, your life first! If you find one of your “friends” is always tempting you with food then maybe they aren’t your friend, really. Realize they have their own issues to deal with and you deal with yours and let them handle themselves.
When you really come from a place of wanting health (as opposed to getting to a certain size or weight) it will be a lot easier to not be tempted by food even when it is right in front of you. I like having the power to make choices about what I eat and if I want to have chocolate or ice cream or pizza I can have it. I am also now fine with being with my friends and family and choosing to not have these things.
When I was trying to diet that wasn’t the case. I was coming from a deprivation place then. I “couldn’t” have certain foods and therefore they were more appealing. The draw of the forbidden! That is one of the reasons I know it is important to allow myself to eat any food. I just know that I am best serving my health when I make conscious choices about what I am eating.
So if I am with friends and they are having a beer or chips (or chips and beer) they will offer it to me...I don’t want them to try to “help” me by not offering...and I have the freedom to say no or yes. Sometimes I will partake and other times I won’t...either way I think about it and determine what I really want at the moment. Do I really want the beer? Or do I want something wet and to enjoy the company of good friends?
Well, this may also be something you have to face when you lose weight. If you have been treating food like a drug and abusing it then you may have to disengage from people who were part of that lifestyle.
I believe for most of us, it can be different with food than other drugs. It can be harder or easier...depending on how you choose to look at it!
It is possible to never have alcohol or narcotics or cigarettes again. You can cut them out of your life completely. Can’t do that with food! So there will be temptations and opportunities to overindulge every day.
This is why you HAVE to change your mind first. If you don’t, then you will have to struggle the rest of your life with the inner demons. I’d rather change my thinking and get those demons gone or at least corralled a bit and make it easier on myself later.
But here’s the deal...if you have “friends” that the only reason you socialize with them is because they are eating buddies...you know what I mean...you only get together over food, or you only talk about food or dieting with them...then you might need to drop those relationships, at least temporarily.
If the relationship is deeper than that and it can evolve—fantastic! But put your health, your life first! If you find one of your “friends” is always tempting you with food then maybe they aren’t your friend, really. Realize they have their own issues to deal with and you deal with yours and let them handle themselves.
When you really come from a place of wanting health (as opposed to getting to a certain size or weight) it will be a lot easier to not be tempted by food even when it is right in front of you. I like having the power to make choices about what I eat and if I want to have chocolate or ice cream or pizza I can have it. I am also now fine with being with my friends and family and choosing to not have these things.
When I was trying to diet that wasn’t the case. I was coming from a deprivation place then. I “couldn’t” have certain foods and therefore they were more appealing. The draw of the forbidden! That is one of the reasons I know it is important to allow myself to eat any food. I just know that I am best serving my health when I make conscious choices about what I am eating.
So if I am with friends and they are having a beer or chips (or chips and beer) they will offer it to me...I don’t want them to try to “help” me by not offering...and I have the freedom to say no or yes. Sometimes I will partake and other times I won’t...either way I think about it and determine what I really want at the moment. Do I really want the beer? Or do I want something wet and to enjoy the company of good friends?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
To Lose Weight Stop Setting Weight Loss Goals
I realize that this goes against just about everything you have ever heard about accomplishing anything. I mean, "everyone" says you have to have goals, right?
Those same people say that goals have to be measurable. In other words, some sort of number.
What I have discovered is that when we set goals around our weight--for most of us--we are actually setting ourselves up for failure!
Why? Because we are focusing on the number on the scale...or a waist measurement...or a dress size...whatever that measurable goal is. If that is our focus we stop paying attention to how we are feeling, why we are eating in the first place.
The other part about setting goals is you are supposed to have a specific time to achieve that goal. My goals always seemed reasonable...like I'm going to lose 10 pounds over 2 months...well, mine were usually more like I'm going to lose 100 pounds over the next year!
I would end up starving myself for a couple of days before I was supposed to weigh in for my goal...then go crazy eating after. This is not healthy behavior--I knew it, but did it anyway--because I wanted to reach my weekly or monthly goal. I just couldn't seem to keep a healthy pattern of eating going all the time, so I started binging. Ultimately I just gave up and felt worse about myself with every failure.
Weight loss goals are really just a way of trying to diet! You are going to limit yourself or work out more...or both...to try to reach that goal. And hey--if that works for you, then go for it!
But if you are like me...someone who set (and broke) the same goal over and over and over and over...then maybe it is time to rethink the whole weight loss goal idea. At least in terms of a measurable number.
I think the best weight loss goal is one of achieving better health. I know that is vague...but it is realistic and it is attainable. What this goal does for me is it gives me the freedom to eat consistently and to be forgiving of myself.
Now I am able to focus on why I am wanting food, getting in touch with what is going on "behind the scenes"...inside my mind. By working on that, I am able to change that programming.
The ironic thing is...once I stopped setting number goals and focused on having a goal of health, my weight started to drop immediately! And even better it has continued to drop...so that I have now lost 120lbs and I haven't binged in years!
I can truly say that stopping setting weight loss goals has brought me to my biggest goal: better health--both mental and physical!
Those same people say that goals have to be measurable. In other words, some sort of number.
What I have discovered is that when we set goals around our weight--for most of us--we are actually setting ourselves up for failure!
Why? Because we are focusing on the number on the scale...or a waist measurement...or a dress size...whatever that measurable goal is. If that is our focus we stop paying attention to how we are feeling, why we are eating in the first place.
The other part about setting goals is you are supposed to have a specific time to achieve that goal. My goals always seemed reasonable...like I'm going to lose 10 pounds over 2 months...well, mine were usually more like I'm going to lose 100 pounds over the next year!
I would end up starving myself for a couple of days before I was supposed to weigh in for my goal...then go crazy eating after. This is not healthy behavior--I knew it, but did it anyway--because I wanted to reach my weekly or monthly goal. I just couldn't seem to keep a healthy pattern of eating going all the time, so I started binging. Ultimately I just gave up and felt worse about myself with every failure.
Weight loss goals are really just a way of trying to diet! You are going to limit yourself or work out more...or both...to try to reach that goal. And hey--if that works for you, then go for it!
But if you are like me...someone who set (and broke) the same goal over and over and over and over...then maybe it is time to rethink the whole weight loss goal idea. At least in terms of a measurable number.
I think the best weight loss goal is one of achieving better health. I know that is vague...but it is realistic and it is attainable. What this goal does for me is it gives me the freedom to eat consistently and to be forgiving of myself.
Now I am able to focus on why I am wanting food, getting in touch with what is going on "behind the scenes"...inside my mind. By working on that, I am able to change that programming.
The ironic thing is...once I stopped setting number goals and focused on having a goal of health, my weight started to drop immediately! And even better it has continued to drop...so that I have now lost 120lbs and I haven't binged in years!
I can truly say that stopping setting weight loss goals has brought me to my biggest goal: better health--both mental and physical!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
How Do I Celebrate New Year's Eve and Be Healthy?
No matter how or where you like to celebrate you CAN do it in a more healthy way.
Saying that does not mean that you should deprive yourself and not have any fun at all!
Figure out ahead of time what your biggest challenge is--is it the buffet table filled with breads and cheeses, or the dessert tray laden with high fat, high sugar confections? Or is it the alcohol?
"Know thy enemy" and plan accordingly. Whether you are at a buffet, a friend's party or a sit down restaurant you can succeed. Success starts at home! Eat during the day (don't try to "save up"--you'll be starving and eat way more if you do!) with an emphasis on light foods, lean protein, lots of vegetables and drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated!
Then at the party or restaurant, allow yourself a modest amount of your favorite treat--if your friend Sue makes the best dish for New Years and you have been waiting all year for it, then have some! Then be sure to find other things that you enjoy to fill you up. If possible, choose things that are light and have little or no sauce--lean protein like shrimp is great (emphasis on the lemon rather than dipping sauces) and feels special. Take extra vegetables and less bread or potatoes.
If you are at a buffet-- check out what others are enjoying. Survey the scene before committing. That way you can get what you like the best without piling your plate to the ceiling. Then once you have filled your plate-- move away from the table! If you hang out by the food, you will eat more than if you have to walk across the room for seconds! If the food is in easy reach, it is easy to eat unconsciously, even if you have set the best intentions.
And drink your water! Cocktails have a lot of calories AND they lower our inhibitions about overeating--a double whammy. Make at least every other drink water--if plain water doesn't feel celebratory, make it sparkling mineral water.
Be more active than usual! If you normally watch the ball drop on the television from the comfort of your couch, try dancing along with the participants to burn up some calories...and make your own healthy snacks--just remember to include a couple bites of special treats!
And if you do overindulge--go easy on yourself! You are a wonderful human being. Beating yourself up won't burn off calories or start the party over.
By doing these things you will feel great not only on New Year's Eve, but on New Year's Day, too!
Saying that does not mean that you should deprive yourself and not have any fun at all!
Figure out ahead of time what your biggest challenge is--is it the buffet table filled with breads and cheeses, or the dessert tray laden with high fat, high sugar confections? Or is it the alcohol?
"Know thy enemy" and plan accordingly. Whether you are at a buffet, a friend's party or a sit down restaurant you can succeed. Success starts at home! Eat during the day (don't try to "save up"--you'll be starving and eat way more if you do!) with an emphasis on light foods, lean protein, lots of vegetables and drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated!
Then at the party or restaurant, allow yourself a modest amount of your favorite treat--if your friend Sue makes the best dish for New Years and you have been waiting all year for it, then have some! Then be sure to find other things that you enjoy to fill you up. If possible, choose things that are light and have little or no sauce--lean protein like shrimp is great (emphasis on the lemon rather than dipping sauces) and feels special. Take extra vegetables and less bread or potatoes.
If you are at a buffet-- check out what others are enjoying. Survey the scene before committing. That way you can get what you like the best without piling your plate to the ceiling. Then once you have filled your plate-- move away from the table! If you hang out by the food, you will eat more than if you have to walk across the room for seconds! If the food is in easy reach, it is easy to eat unconsciously, even if you have set the best intentions.
And drink your water! Cocktails have a lot of calories AND they lower our inhibitions about overeating--a double whammy. Make at least every other drink water--if plain water doesn't feel celebratory, make it sparkling mineral water.
Be more active than usual! If you normally watch the ball drop on the television from the comfort of your couch, try dancing along with the participants to burn up some calories...and make your own healthy snacks--just remember to include a couple bites of special treats!
And if you do overindulge--go easy on yourself! You are a wonderful human being. Beating yourself up won't burn off calories or start the party over.
By doing these things you will feel great not only on New Year's Eve, but on New Year's Day, too!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Indulgence and Weight Loss
I have learned over the years that having little indulgences actually help me to lose weight.
Sometimes it is a "healthy" indulgence--which I think really depends on one's definition of healthy--such as extra fruits (because I love fruit), or a piece or two of good dark chocolate.
Sometimes the indulgence will be more, well, indulgent, like wine or beer or good bread. Still, not horrible for you in moderation.
Then there are the official "poison foods" that contain white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup and all those other "sins" found in the grocery store. My favorite in this group is ice cream. I have a friend who loves canned cranberry sauce. Whatever the food is, even these can be indulgences that actually assist in dropping fat.
How can that be? Part of it is mental attitude--if by not having that special treat in moderation you are going to feel deprived, then down the road at some point a binge will come. When the binge hits, you will be worse off. The key is paying attention to how you feel about the food. And moderation, of course.
So if you love ice cream, like I do, then once in a while you should have it. There is nothing more depressing than being told (by yourself or someone else) that you can never have that again. If you love red rope licorice or french bread or canned cranberry sauce, let yourself have a little when you really want it.
By allowing yourself to have it, you are letting your subconscious know that it is a possibility. That permission alone helps reduce the cravings for it because it is no longer "forbidden fruit."
Sometimes it is a "healthy" indulgence--which I think really depends on one's definition of healthy--such as extra fruits (because I love fruit), or a piece or two of good dark chocolate.
Sometimes the indulgence will be more, well, indulgent, like wine or beer or good bread. Still, not horrible for you in moderation.
Then there are the official "poison foods" that contain white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup and all those other "sins" found in the grocery store. My favorite in this group is ice cream. I have a friend who loves canned cranberry sauce. Whatever the food is, even these can be indulgences that actually assist in dropping fat.
How can that be? Part of it is mental attitude--if by not having that special treat in moderation you are going to feel deprived, then down the road at some point a binge will come. When the binge hits, you will be worse off. The key is paying attention to how you feel about the food. And moderation, of course.
So if you love ice cream, like I do, then once in a while you should have it. There is nothing more depressing than being told (by yourself or someone else) that you can never have that again. If you love red rope licorice or french bread or canned cranberry sauce, let yourself have a little when you really want it.
By allowing yourself to have it, you are letting your subconscious know that it is a possibility. That permission alone helps reduce the cravings for it because it is no longer "forbidden fruit."
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