What do you eat when you feel the NEED to treat yourself a l

kfuller27

I've only been eating healthy/working out for about a week and a half now and have not had any slip ups. I know that it's good to treat yourself to something once in awhile, but I don't want to go out eating Chinese or something else really fatty. What is a "treat" to you?

LMac423

Frozen Yogurt! Or a piece of cheese....those are my favorites.

Ashley_Panda

Dark chocolate or frozen yogurt.

Celo24

My wife and I have a "cheat meal" every Friday night when we eat whatever we want. You HAVE to let yourself splurge from time to time. That being said, if I need a treat during the week, I like the 100 calorie packs of chocolate-covered pretzels or a 100 calorie bag of Pop Secret.

BOGmama2010

For us, sushi is a treat. We eat it every once in a while and limit how much we eat. It used to be In N Out once a month (protein style!) but not anymore since every time the burger has been pink inside. I don't buy chocolate or cookies - even though I love them, I feel like I have to finish the bag if they are in the house and that is really derailing.

T0RIEELIZABETH

I work at a mexican food restaurant, and I try to stay really good, you know just a chicken taco for dinner or something like that. but everyonce in awhile I let myself get the queso drenched nachos.

gehlerc

bump

I haven't treated myself yet--am afraid I will lose control. I'm glad you started this thread. I'm interested in what others have to say.

bbygrl5

I mostly eat pizza when I have a cheat meal now and then, but if I'm going all out and am on vacation, like recently, I love fine dining. It makes it really feel worth the calories. ...not to mention, you're getting better prepared meals the majority of the time. They may be loaded with creme and all sorts of fattening deliciousness, but that is definitely reserved for a once in a long while occasion. It makes it easier to get back on track to me because I feel like I'm living life sometimes and not completely denying myself.

LaurenRose2011

I have tried (and failed) to lose weight numerous times, and it's my hypothesis that celebratory consumption was a main cause of my failure. It's my belief, now, that celebratory consumption should be avoided until you are 100% set in your new lifestyle. My rewards, this time around, are very different than before. I will be rewarding myself with energy, increased social activity, and, of course, lean mass increase and overall weight loss. I will reward myself with the energy I need to make it through the final 4 years of my education. I will reward myself with the energy to make it through my internships and residency. I will reward myself with a longer life. I refuse, this time, to reward myself with Taco Bell, McDonald's, Steak N Shake, Applebees, Pizza Hut, chips, cake, ice cream, etc. If I eat these things it will be as part of my day's intake, and I will not feel as though I am celebrating anything.

That's just me.

Edited to add: I quit smoking just over 3 months ago. I wonder where I would be if I celebrated 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months smoke-free with a cigarette. I thoroughly enjoyed smoking just as I thoroughly enjoy food despite my medical knowledge which told me that I was slowly, but certainly, committing suicide. I believe that had I celebrated quitting smoking by smoking that I would be smoking right now, and I very likely wouldn't have had the drive to get into this new and improved weight loss routine.

kfuller27

bump

I haven't treated myself yet--am afraid I will lose control. I'm glad you started this thread. I'm interested in what others have to say.

Thats what I'm afraid of also! Chinese food was my big weakness... and I'm afraid if I let myself even have a little bit as a "treat" that I'm done for.

corey_e

I eat a nu go bar if I feel weak. It's like a healthy candy bar.

BlkOnyx488

I can't keep cookies in my house either. I don't FEEL like i have to finish the bag, I just finish the bag
Sugar-free jello is my go to snack

For us, sushi is a treat. We eat it every once in a while and limit how much we eat. It used to be In N Out once a month (protein style!) but not anymore since every time the burger has been pink inside. I don't buy chocolate or cookies - even though I love them, I feel like I have to finish the bag if they are in the house and that is really derailing.

kfuller27

I have tried (and failed) to lose weight numerous times, and it's my opinion that celebratory consumption was a main cause of my failure. It's also my opinion that celebratory consumption should be avoided until you are 100% set in your new lifestyle. My rewards, this time around, are very different than before. I will be rewarding myself with energy, increased social activity, and, of course, lean mass increase and overall weight loss. I will reward myself with the energy I need to make it through the final 4 years of my education. I will reward myself with the energy to make it through my internships and residency. I will reward myself with a longer life. I refuse, this time, to reward myself with Taco Bell, McDonald's, Steak N Shake, Applebees, Pizza Hut, chips, cake, ice cream, etc. If I eat these things it will be as part of my day's intake, and I will not feel as though I am celebrating anything.

That's just me.

I agree! This is also not the first time I've lost weight, or tried to lose weight. Every time that I've blown it, it's because I thought.. "It's no big deal if I eat this pizza with the rest of my friends, I'll get back on track tomorrow." And then it's the same thing, and same excuse the next day. Since I've started this time, I've now had 4 people come up to me and tell me that I've inspired them to get back in the gym. That, combined with just really wanting to be healthy, has motivated me to just stay strong and avoid temptation. But, I know how I've been in the past and I don't want that to happen again!

orangeswild123

If your in the mood for something sweet, I love dark chocolate! I melt half a bar and take strawberry's and dip them. It tastes so good after a week of eating well! And it doesn't make too many so you don't have to worry about a ton of leftovers that will tempt you a day later!

elainegsd

bump

I haven't treated myself yet--am afraid I will lose control. I'm glad you started this thread. I'm interested in what others have to say.

Thats what I'm afraid of also! Chinese food was my big weakness... and I'm afraid if I let myself even have a little bit as a "treat" that I'm done for.

I've lost almost 100 pounds knowing this about myself. I don't "cheat" (mostly because who would i be cheating? MYSELF!). I do allow myself flexibility in the foods I eat, while staying within my calorie goals and sometimes my choices are not as healthy as they are other times. Sometimes I eat some exercise calories, but mostly I don't (on advice of my doctor and nutritionist). I know myself well enough to know that if I look at food in terms of "treats" or "cheats", it is a very slippery slope for me. This isn't the case for everybody, but for some of us, it is. The funny thing is that I've lost most of my cravings for unhealthy food!

lkm111

I don't eat a lot of Weight Watcher's products, but I found their Ice Cream Candy Bars - they are delicious! Only 150 calories, and I feel like I truly indulged. They remind me of a Snickers Ice Cream Bar.

mauck1975

bump

ymhand

A treat to myself is a quesidilla with extra chesse, sour cream, salsa and hot sauce, makes my mouth water just thinking about it, but I cant even go there cause I cant stop with these food combos I always over do it but it is so yummy but doesnt look good on my tummy!

spuzo

I'm actually buying my "treat" tonight after work [after my 1hr hike] - I'm treating myself to Kernels Popcorn. I havent put anything "off limits" because I dont think that's realistic for me - for now I'm trying to change my thinking - think portions and focus my main meals on high quality food - food that will fuel my body. Anything else is a treat.

janemartin02

I like the 100 cal snack,they have different variety and portion control.

Brighteyes_7916

For during the week i will eat a 90 cal choc chip cookie granola bar. If it is my cheat day on saturday it will be a hot fudge sunday with extra hot fudge from mcdonalds.

jessicastar

Chocolate sugar-free/Fat-free Jello pudding w/non-fat milk. For a little added crunch I will crush a few almonds and sprinkle them in while I am stirring. Tastes like a chocolate almond bar.. And waaayyy less calories (and guilt). ;0)


Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

kimwig

I have tried (and failed) to lose weight numerous times, and it's my hypothesis that celebratory consumption was a main cause of my failure. It's my belief, now, that celebratory consumption should be avoided until you are 100% set in your new lifestyle. My rewards, this time around, are very different than before. I will be rewarding myself with energy, increased social activity, and, of course, lean mass increase and overall weight loss. I will reward myself with the energy I need to make it through the final 4 years of my education. I will reward myself with the energy to make it through my internships and residency. I will reward myself with a longer life. I refuse, this time, to reward myself with Taco Bell, McDonald's, Steak N Shake, Applebees, Pizza Hut, chips, cake, ice cream, etc. If I eat these things it will be as part of my day's intake, and I will not feel as though I am celebrating anything.

Agree. I never celebrate a weight goal with a food treat. If the food is not part of my lifestyle change I do not eat it. It would be like a recovering alcoholic having a glass of wine (or several) to celebrate being "clean" for 6 months.
My treat would be new clothes (for my now slimmer body).

kym117

I don't eat a lot of Weight Watcher's products, but I found their Ice Cream Candy Bars - they are delicious! Only 150 calories, and I feel like I truly indulged. They remind me of a Snickers Ice Cream Bar.

I am a little more easily distracted and have a mini treat at night eg, Velvet Crunch Crisps, cereal bar or like lkm111 I do not eat a lot of Weight Watchers foods but LOVE there little taste temptations eclair's and at just over 80 cals there great for that chocolate urge.

I will only give myself a treat if I hve been completly angelic throught the day, eg, water, fruit and veg and excersise. I have never really been one for takeaways but on the rare occasion I am out for dinner I allow myself to eat with moderation (not go gung ho!) as I tend to go off the rails if I deny myself everything nice.

Xandi

Lauren,
I agree and I disagree.. My Husband and I also quit smoking recently, partly why we are having to lower our calories and get out more. Although I am happy not to smoke anymore, I do find myself replacing that cigarette with food. I think that is a natural occurrence, I tried to chew gum, but it didn't really do anything for me, except make my jaw ache!

I treat myself all the time. I am not concerned with how fast I lose weight as much as I am concerned with how much I am learning about food choices when I track what I am eating. My husband just had surgery yesterday and I haven't been to the gym or exercised all week.. a difference of 1.2lbs... this week... I feel like knowing and choosing will work better for me ( I am such a rebel, if I know I can't have something I have to have it). I think we all just need to figure out what our triggers are and how we can counter balance them into a healthy lifestyle.

Laceylala

One of the first things I log every day is my nightly treat. Usually a Skinny Cow Icecream sandwich or a WW icecream bar or a Healthy Choice fudge bar. It gives me some sweetness each day and something I can look forward to all day so that I contain myself when presented with other bad options at work, etc.

As for meals...it varies depending on my moods. But one thing I've learned about myself is that I can't go to a restaurant and just not eat the whole plate of food. If I am going to go out I figure out a way to make it work or just flat out acknowledge the fact that I will be over my cals that day and try to do some extra exercise through the week to make up for it.

danni31487

I try to keep snacks lying around like 100 calorie packs, crackers, hummus. If I am craving salty I usually will make steak fajitas or using ground turkey to make tacos. My guilty pleasure is eating taco bell once a month (I use to) because well we are women and we just have wacky cravings. I find that cooking your cravings is alot better than going out and eating it! You know what you are putting in your body and you know how much you are aloud to have with moderation. For instance I was craving something creamy so I made beef strognofe using sour cream, cream of corn (or cream of mushroom soup), fat free shredded cheese mix with hamburger seasoned with cumin, salt, pepper, and some oregeno over pasta(whole wheat; the healthy stuff) Ofcourse adding vegies, peppers, onions. All of that was only 480 calories! and yes it was creamy and delicious! I also love chocolate so I will treat myself so a cookie or like i said those 100 calorie packs does its justice!! When I do go out to dinner I will log in to what I am allowed to have at that resturant if it is a food chain like chillis or outback before I go out. That way I am not tempted to eat something thats unhealthy! =D.

I hope all this was helpful! =D

linddd

I loved reading this message thread!

I guess I sort of treat myself often because I count calories and if I really want to have something, I save up the calories for it and count every one. A couple times lately I've had crunchy Cheetos... just half an ounce fills a little bowl and hits the spot when I have 80 calories to spend. I love Little Debbie Swiss Rolls and have had those and just added the calories in (I only have ONE roll, not the two that are packaged together). This is why the only way I can diet is by counting calories... so I can do this!

reinventingandrea

To me grilling out (yep even in the winter) makes anything taste 10x better so my favorite "splurge" is throwing something on the grill. Sometimes it's salmon or turkey burgers but sometimes it's a nice steak. Nothing really big and nothing very fatty but it's the only time I have beef.

lauramaeh

I make my own type of trail mix with salted nuts, craisins, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The combo of those three things is really satisfying to me- salty, sweet, and filling!

Nailrep

Skinny Cow ice cream cups! After a few weeks of dieting, I will have a cheat meal every Friday. Usually Mexican!!