We all have those moments, don't we? Even the most disciplined among us occasionally yearn for a chocolatey brownie or a creamy Reese's Cup. And guess what? There's nothing inherently wrong with that! In fact, with a little strategy, you can actually satisfy your cravings without derailing your wellness journey.
The Guilt Cycle: Breaking Free
Imagine you’ve been crushing your wellness goals for the past 12 days. You're feeling fantastic, then BAM! Those Girl Scout cookies materialize in front of you. Because you've been so "good," you dive into a box of Samoas.
Sure, it's blissful for a moment, but that joy is fleeting. Soon, you're tumbling down the rabbit hole of guilt and self-criticism, thinking, "I’ve messed up. I'll never get this right."
A Better Way: The Planned Indulgence Strategy
Instead of labeling foods as "good" or "bad," why not plan for the inevitable craving? I call this the "Planned Indulgence Strategy."
Here's how it works:
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Decide Your Indulgence: Opt for a daily homemade treat (so you know exactly what’s in it) or maybe a sugar-free chocolate bar like Lily's. Alternatively, you can plan one "treat meal" per week.
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Know Your Limits: A treat meal is not an excuse for a binge. Make sure your portions are reasonable and relish every bite.
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Stick to the Plan: Choose your indulgence strategy at the beginning of the week and commit to it.
Avoiding Triggers: Proceed with Caution
When you’re planning your indulgence, steer clear of your trigger foods at first. Choose a food that brings joy without causing you to spiral out of control. As you grow more confident and controlled, you can reintegrate these trigger foods into your Planned Indulgence Strategy.
Plan for Special Occasions
With Halloween around the corner, now's the perfect time to test out this strategy. Decide in advance what treat you’ll enjoy, then savor it—guilt-free and mindfully. After all, life is meant to be enjoyed, right?
