It’s the month of January! Also known as the lifespan of New Year’s resolutions!
I think it’s such a lovely fact fo the human condition that when we make it to a new year, our first instinct is to figure out ways to improve ourselves. We sometimes even write them down purposefully and display this list of human betterment in a place of honor, determined not to waver from the goal.
We might not reach all the goals we so passionately set for this reason or that, but I believe the thought is still a nice one. Most of us list ways to improve ourselves on multiple fronts: Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Hopefully, I can be of some assistance with the latter.
It’s probably fair to say that there is room for improvement in nearly everyone’s diet. Oftentimes, it’s because we don’t just eat to survive, we eat because food is AMAZING. We don’t eat ice cream because of the calcium content, we eat it because it’s frozen heaven on earth. And there’s nothing wrong with that! However, in the spirit of a Better (physical) You, the food that makes life extra wonderful are usually the first to go.
And sometimes removing highly processed, sugary treats from our diet cold turkey is just the kick in the pants we need. It’s not an easy thing to do, and I applaud all those who take that leap. However, more often than not the deprivation leads to a breakdown, which leads to even more of that processed, delicious crap than before.
I’ve navigated these waters my entire life. Between the eating disorder and my all-or-nothing personality, I’ve had quite the challenge figuring out how the foods I hated to love fit in my life. And honestly, I think I’ve finally nailed it. If you yourself are on a quest for that elusive plane where health, happiness, and dessert collide, here are a few tips on how to get there.
Designate a dessert night or two
Shoutout to my mom who somehow managed to create a dessert plan a rule-following, anorexic 13-year-old could follow. Back in my recovery phase, my mom declared that Sunday and Wednesday were designated dessert nights. The whole family started following this rule eventually and 11 years later, I’m still following the same plan.
Dessert nights can be switched (due to my incredible lack of patience, I often make Tuesdays and Saturdays dessert nights). It doesn’t matter which days, all that matters is that there is some sort of structure. That structure makes the treats so much more enjoyable. By not giving into every sugary desire the moment it hits treats become treats again, something to look forward to and get excited about. Also, it takes almost all the impulse out of the situation. Having a night dedicated to treating yourself allows you to plan out what you really want, guilt-free. designating nights to treat yourself give you the chance to allow tastier foods in your life, and actually enjoy them to the fullest. You’re not eating it because you’re bored or emotional or because “there’s nothing better to eat.” You’re eating it because after waiting all the time for dessert night, you know you’re going to enjoy the heck out of it.
Eat what you CRAVE
Your treats don’t have to follow the familiar pattern of ice cream and cookies. Think outside the box to all your favorite foods, all the foods that no longer have a place in your everyday diet. Take a good, long look at what food you really, really love. For his dessert night, my younger brother would usually plop down in front of the TV with a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos. That was his happy place and the food closest to his heart. My heart longs for more salty than sweet, so things like grilled cheeses, potato chips, and gigantic turkey sandwiches with all the fixings usually find their place in my dessert nights. Don’t settle for a treat you don’t absolutely love! It’s just not worth it in the end. If you only eat treats you truly love, I guarantee you’ll have a much healthier and happier relationship with food.
Quality over quantity
Now, if your favorite treat of all time is Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos like my brother, this tip may fall a little short. But hear me out, if you’re consistently eating a healthy diet, when your dessert nights roll around, you may not need/want as much as you may think. Give yourself a chance to really enjoy what you’re eating instead of consuming it so fast you don’t have time to taste it. Plus, eating without thought will just leave you feeling crappy (especially if your body has gotten used to healthy foods). Get yourself a bowl of chips, and if you want a second one, go for it. But oftentimes, you don’t end up wanting it. Our bodies are kind of awesome that way. Also, since you’re only eating this stuff a few times a week, get yourself the good stuff! Go for high-quality chocolate, all-natural ice cream, homemade cookies, etc. If you put thought and care into your treat choices, you’ll put thought and care into enjoying them, making the whole experience way better than mindlessly eating whatever junk was in the back of your pantry.
Honestly, this whole treat thing is a bit trial and error. The most important thing is, don’t beat yourself up about it. We’re human, and we like good food. That’s not the worst thing in the world. I hope these tips help you out a bit navigating these tricky water. Or at least act as a reminder that food is freaking awesome and at all costs, should be enjoyed.
