Trick or Treat! (?)

What was the last dessert you ate?  How did you feel before you ate it?  What was the occasion?  Birthday? Mother's Day?  Was it delicious?  With whom did you eat dessert?  How did you feel after you ate the dessert?

For you, are desserts tricks?  Or are they treats?  They are the exact same foods, but can be viewed two different ways.  Here are some of the differences:

Tricks

Treats

Eaten in response to emotion Eaten impulsively Eaten out of habit Guilt is evoked at some point You at times feel you should go completely without them You find yourself wondering what it will take to “work it off,” as if the moment it is eaten it clings to your thighs. You refer to them as “temptations,” that usually “win you over” which implies you have little control over the matter You classify/judge them negatively:  “fatty!” “sugary” “a cardiac arrest waiting to happen”

Eaten for special occasions You enjoy the taste, smell, and mouthfeel without guilt They create good memories, and usually involve friends and/or family You consider them part of a good relationship with food You don’t feel the need to eat them all the time You feel you have the capacity to either accept or decline a dessert--both accepting and declining is within your control You classify them more positively:  rich, creamy, flaky, flavorful, crispy, mmmmm

Don't be tricked into believing you should feel bad for eating something that is:

1. Functional (provides energy)
2. Contributes to emotional well-being by providing a pleasant sensory experience
3. Can also contribute positively to social well-being by assisting to create memories.

Bottom line:  Aim to let treats be treats! Your relationship with food will improve if you accept desserts as part of a healthy eating pattern.  If you save them for special occasions you will enjoy and appreciate them more.