Food Rewards

loneaffliction

I know it's widely held that you shouldn't use food as a reward, and I believe that - to some extent - because most people, I think, take a "reward," as overindulging and totally breaking their diet, an excuse to eat how much of whatever they want without feeling guilty. But I do believe in rewarding yourself occasionally with that "cheat" as long as it's in moderation. It's not really a cheat if you fit it into your daily calorie allotment anyway. That's simply exercising self control and eating healthy.

That being said, I have a favorite chocolate that I indulge in, especially when I hit cravings land (ladies, especially, know what I mean), that I usually buy whenever it's on sale so I have it on hand. Actually bought some the other day. Haven't touched it. I've don't think of it as "denying" myself because I save it for when I really want it, and then, I use moderation. Two or three blocks to satisfy that craving and save the rest. It's almost a challenge in my mind. How long can I go before I give in to temptation? Which almost makes it fun because I love a challenge.

I find that the more I lean towards healthier options, the less I want the stuff that's not so good for me. You have too much of a good thing and exercise no restraint, and you lose a little appreciation for it, I think. Which leads to that mindless, bored eating. It's just food. You place no value on it. Whereas when you're conscious of your caloric intake and monitor it, it becomes something far more valuable, literally, and thus, you work harder for it and cut back to allow it in your budget. The most enlightening thing I've seen on MFP was analogizing your daily calories to a bank account with limited funds. You can only withdraw so much without overdrafting, so you have to choose how you spend them. If you really value something, you fit it into your budget. Like that new flat screen TV you really want. You make sacrifices elsewhere, not eating out as much, cutting back on buying things you don't need (aren't really hungry for).

I think when you really embrace the system, you learn to put the value back into your food. Yes, you have to make some sacrifices, but you also learn to work harder, exercise more to "deposit more money in the bank." You appreciate those really good meals more and become more satisfied with the lower calorie choices because you're ultimately contributing to a much healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. Eating whatever you want when you want can be somewhat satisfying. Food is just so good! But is it really satisfying when you have to feel guilty about what or how much you've eaten? There's no guilt when you know it is still a healthy choice because you ate right all day or when you know you have sincerely earned it, when it is a treat you have allowed yourself - in moderation - because you've been making good choices consistently, to eat better and exercise more.

We all need to work on removing fat and sugar and processed foods from our diets and finding better substitutions that are just as satisfying. It's the pitfall of American society. But a little reward now and then is, in my eyes, good motivation to stick with what you're doing. And if there are those foods that you just hate to give up that kill your diet every time, look for healthier substitutions. Put the potato chips away and make some roasted potatoes or find a sugar free dessert that tastes like the real thing.

The real reward is in being healthier, stronger, living longer, and being happier with who you are as a person.