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MyFitnessPal Community

What do you eat as a treat that doesn’t spiral into binging?

kiela64

I have ~400 calories left and I’ve had a tough day and want a treat, but I don’t want to eat something that’s going to make me feel bad, or trigger more cravings. I don’t have anything specific in mind, but I just want something enjoyable.

I don’t have trouble enjoying treats with people but I’m on my own today and I feel like if I go somewhere and order an ice cream it’ll feel weird and set off some old binging behaviour. My SO calls it “establishing a pathway” where if you do something recently it’s more of an option, so like whenever I pass that place etc I’ll think of the ice cream and have to actively say no.

Not everyone might have connotations of sadness and guilt with junk foods, but I do. I can’t think of anything that won’t make me feel weird about it. I’d love to hear about how other people navigate this stuff.

Replies

Snowflake1968

kiela64 wrote: »

88olds wrote: »

You’re going to have to find this for yourself. I’m another ice cream fan. Nearly every evening, I measure out 120 cals worth of my current fav Breyers No Sugar Added. I don’t know exactly why I don’t go back for seconds, thirds or knock off the entire half gallon. Some people can’t have ice cream in the house. I don’t go out for ice cream because the portions are calorie bombs. Way over my 120 cal allowance.

But you seem to have an issue with having a treat. If looking foreword to a treat in the evening keeps me out of the office cookies and donuts, it’s done it’s job and well worth it. Also the whole idea of a treat keeps me from thinking I’m on some sort of austerity program.

Also, how did you end up with 400 calories at the end of the day? My treat allocation is about 7% of daily total. You're wise not go out on your own and burn up such a big chunk of calories on junk. Were it me, I’d track down an ice cream sandwich at a mini mart for about 150 cals or so and use the rest for something more filling and helpful.

I definitely can’t keep ice cream in the house. It would work for a few days, but I’d probably cave if I was super tired and just finish it. It’s not something I grew up with, we never had treats at home so if I know there’s something in the house it’s like it sits in the back of my mind and I’m always aware of it & sort of hyper vigilant.

It was just the space I had at that time. I recently upped my calories and I’m still figuring it out. I’ve never seen an ice cream sandwich that low, aren’t they usually 300+? That would be a good idea. I could probably keep a few of those at home without going nuts and even if I did and I only had 4 in the house it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

This! I think this is the reason I have an unhealthy obsession with all things junk food! My mom baked a lot so there were always sweets, I can have those surrounding me and not eat a one. Give me salty, crunchy, greasy and I can't get enough! Needless to say, my downfall is potato chips. I have just learned not to have them in the house. If i really and truly can't stop a craving for them I make myself walk to the store to buy a small bag. If I'm not willing to walk to get them I must not want them that bad.

I'm the same with fresh fruits, they were an extravagance for me growing up so if it's there I have to eat it! At least this is healthy though except the sugar and carbs LOL

ecrosby512

Blueberries with a squirt of whipped cream from a can.

kiela64

ecrosby512 wrote: »

Blueberries with a squirt of whipped cream from a can.

That sounds delicious 😋 not sure how I’d be with a can of whipped cream around, or how to measure that. But fresh fruit & something creamy/sweet is definitely my bag.

I didn’t end up getting a treat last night because I couldn’t figure it out. But when I got home there was pizza, and I had a slice and then a small amount of Greek yogurt, so I still hit my goal. And it was lovely because pizza still feels like a treat, but I can’t get the sold slices because 2 slices is too much haha. And the yogurt was delicious too. I got the higher fat version of the plain and it makes my 1/2 vanilla 1/2 plain mixture taste extra nice.

This morning I went to the bank and I passed a fresh fruit market and grabbed some locally grown raspberries. I might see about whipped cream or just eat the berries 😋 we’re getting there!!!

Thank you for all your recommendations & experiences! 😁

kiela64

Snowflake1968 wrote: »

kiela64 wrote: »

88olds wrote: »

You’re going to have to find this for yourself. I’m another ice cream fan. Nearly every evening, I measure out 120 cals worth of my current fav Breyers No Sugar Added. I don’t know exactly why I don’t go back for seconds, thirds or knock off the entire half gallon. Some people can’t have ice cream in the house. I don’t go out for ice cream because the portions are calorie bombs. Way over my 120 cal allowance.

But you seem to have an issue with having a treat. If looking foreword to a treat in the evening keeps me out of the office cookies and donuts, it’s done it’s job and well worth it. Also the whole idea of a treat keeps me from thinking I’m on some sort of austerity program.

Also, how did you end up with 400 calories at the end of the day? My treat allocation is about 7% of daily total. You're wise not go out on your own and burn up such a big chunk of calories on junk. Were it me, I’d track down an ice cream sandwich at a mini mart for about 150 cals or so and use the rest for something more filling and helpful.

I definitely can’t keep ice cream in the house. It would work for a few days, but I’d probably cave if I was super tired and just finish it. It’s not something I grew up with, we never had treats at home so if I know there’s something in the house it’s like it sits in the back of my mind and I’m always aware of it & sort of hyper vigilant.

It was just the space I had at that time. I recently upped my calories and I’m still figuring it out. I’ve never seen an ice cream sandwich that low, aren’t they usually 300+? That would be a good idea. I could probably keep a few of those at home without going nuts and even if I did and I only had 4 in the house it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

This! I think this is the reason I have an unhealthy obsession with all things junk food! My mom baked a lot so there were always sweets, I can have those surrounding me and not eat a one. Give me salty, crunchy, greasy and I can't get enough! Needless to say, my downfall is potato chips. I have just learned not to have them in the house. If i really and truly can't stop a craving for them I make myself walk to the store to buy a small bag. If I'm not willing to walk to get them I must not want them that bad.

I'm the same with fresh fruits, they were an extravagance for me growing up so if it's there I have to eat it! At least this is healthy though except the sugar and carbs LOL

Yeah, I’m like that with any sort of junk or baked good. My mom has diabetes so we kept the house clear of eg white bread, added sugars, etc. Fresh fruit feels like a luxury to me too, but it’s much healthier and I don’t feel guilty about it. I think that’s the ticket 😁

JustMeandZ

I love sugar free pudding made with skim milk. Its really good!

jamesjeffsmith

pop corn in olive oil, 2 stalks celery with 2 tbl Trader Joes organic peanut butter (Valencia peanuts and salt only) 200 calories/8 grms proteinm or an apple sliced with peanut or almond butter. All healthy fats

arnnanz

Very dark chocolate works for me. I can't eat too much of it as it's not at all sweet, but it's nice with some natural peanut butter or raspberries. Also try melting it and dipping in pieces of fruit.

cobalt108

So glad you posted this! I have a similar problem with going overboard and it’s distracting. In order to enjoy the treat and not trigger a spiral I combine something healthy with the treat or make a healthy-ish version to satisfy the craving. So instead of just eating all the dark chocolate, I’ll dip fruit,drizzle it over berries or have it with some coconut chia pudding. I also like to make little oatmeal mugs in the microwave. Banana, walnuts, cinnamon and mini chocolate chips with old fashioned oats and almond milk tastes like warm banana bread, but is still basically oatmeal:)

MsWax

My go-to's are:

fruit
Protein shake (the cookies & cream Quest flavor blended with 6 oz of milk, ice and water tastes like a milkshake)
Yasso frozen greek yogurt bar
Clif builder protein bar (half or whole)
Dried mango (no sugar added)

These all satisfy my sweet cravings without setting off a binge. I LOVE candy (twizzlers, sour gummies, etc.), but find I can't eat them without going crazy.

megbeveridge93

I eat an apple and a cheese stick as a snack at work! It satisfies sweet, creamy, and savory.

andreamariexoxo

I like fruit cups, I often eat 2 at a time but they’re only 60-70 calories so eff it. Also the nature value or store brand profien granola bars. I like coconut almond and dark chocolate peanut butter.

AyameShimitsu

Dark chocolate is my choice. In small amounts it’s pretty good for you and because it’s bitter you can’t eat in large amounts but still satisfies the sweet tooth. Dark chocolate is 40% coaco or more. I tend to not go above 65% as it starts getting too bitter for me. Lindor dark chocolate truffles are my favorite

cesse47

I like the Skinny Cow products. Here are the dets on the sandwich -- Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, Low Fat, Vanilla & Chocolate 6 - 4 fl oz sandwiches 24 fl oz (709 ml) 140 calories per sandwich. 1.5 g fat. 3 g fiber.

When I crave chocolate, I go for Fudgesickle 100 calorie bars.

quiksylver296

Whatever I'm craving. By allowing what I want to eat, within my calorie limit, I found I don't binge anymore.

dsboohead

I eat 3 sugar free red vines licorice. I like them a bit hard and stale so they take longer to eat.
Simple sweet treat.

Ninkasi

I'm not really a lover of sweets but when the urge hits I have a fun size candy bar or a Drumstick mini at 110 calories. (I think I'm the only person in the world who doesn't like Halo Top.) My weakness is potato chips but I love those so much that I will weigh out my one serving and plan it into my calorie allotment for the day.

Crochetluvr

I like the Outshine Fruit Bars (popscicles). Only 60 calories and 15g of carbs, which is the max amount I am supposed to have in a snack as a diabetic.

runnergirl089

A square of 72% dark chocolate.

sophia162

pop corn! Air popped (it's more economical to buy this way), bit of oil, sprinkle some salt (and maybe spices).

or, to satisfy the sweet tooth: chocolate. I buy a small portion, so I don't do anything silly, lol.

itsme4444

Look up the Wendy’s frosty copycat recipe on Pinterest. Quick, easy, satisfying, sweet, delicious, cold, 150 calories! Splenda, cocoa, light cool whip, ice, fat free jello chocolate pudding powder, vanilla, skim milk. The serving is huge too!

hroderick

fancy dry roasted mixed nuts

dechowj

My go to's are:
1. Smoothie Popsicle. When I make smoothies during the week I always make big batches (fruit and greek yogurt or banana and chocolate protein powder). I pour the extra into Popsicle trays I bought at the dollar store. Then when I have a strong snack craving I get one out, drizzle it in a little chocolate syrup, and enjoy.

2. Popcorn. I use my air popper and shake some "Everything but the bagel" seasoning on it. Very filling and satisfying.

3. Yogurt cookie dough. Mix vanilla Greek yogurt with peanut butter and add some chocolate chips.

I also make sure when I snack I put everything I used to make it away before I eat it. That way when I'm done and want some more it's too bothersome to get it all back out for a second helping. I'm usually too lazy and give up on seconds.

Deputymax

I take 1/2 bag of microwave popcorn and mix it in with a full bowl (about 6 cups) of hot air popcorn. You still get the butter flavor but it brings down the calorie count for the amount I eat. Follow that up with an ice cold diet Dr. Pepper and I'm good until the next meal time. I don't do this a lot, but when I absolutely have to have something this is my go to.

kiela64

Deputymax wrote: »

I take 1/2 bag of microwave popcorn and mix it in with a full bowl (about 6 cups) of hot air popcorn. You still get the butter flavor but it brings down the calorie count for the amount I eat. Follow that up with an ice cold diet Dr. Pepper and I'm good until the next meal time. I don't do this a lot, but when I absolutely have to have something this is my go to.

Oh awesome! I have an air popper but I've found that it's not so good for me because it only pops 1/2 cup of kernels at at time, no less will function. So I always end up with a massive bowl. And I'm so used to the massive bowl if I'm going to have it I HAVE to eat the whole thing. And the butter I put on it ends up throwing the calories to high heaven. That might be a good compromise. I've never got microwave popcorn before, because my mom thinks they have "dangerous chemicals". But when I've seen the "smart" or "light" versions at a friends house they're actually smaller servings and smell lovely with fewer calories than my massive homemade bowls do. I might do that!!

Thank you!

ftgtwoods

A graham cracker square with a tbs cool whip lite...wonderful!

pageohana6

I like to eat oikos Zero yougurt with 2 tblspns of semi sweet chocolate chips mixed in. I get my protein and sweet tooth covered at same time.

TonyB0588

dsboohead wrote: »

I have a fun size snicker bar. It is the perfect sweet treat at 80 calories.

Me too.

mrsallenmoore

Tall mocha from Starbucks it’s choclatey takes me a while to drink and caffeine

nikolegiles

A lot of times I’ll go get a giant cup of nugget ice from the gas station and eat that as a treat 😂 I’m a crazy person but it works for me when I just want a treat and I’m not actually hungry... plus it’s zero calories 🤘🏻

countcurt

I’m going to take a bit of a contrarian position here...

I’d say the worst time to ‘treat’ yourself (in terms of a food splurge) is when you’re tying it to some kind of response to a bad day. Whether you’re rewarding yourself because you survived the tough day or consoling yourself because the day went to pot, you perpetuate an undesirable stimulus-response cycle.

On top of which you go on to say that junk foods carry negative connotations for you. So how would eating junk food (which isn’t a good food choice AND which you suggest you don’t enjoy) be a win here?

If you need the caloric intake, I suggest something less in the junk category and more in the category of high calorie foods you enjoy but can’t always fit in to your eating plan. Like, perhaps, nuts. Or an avocado. Or cheese. Perhaps a glass of wine.