subject: The Right To "choos" And Cupcakes! [print this page] I was coaching a client on weight loss last week, and she was explaining how when she resists the "bad" foods, (her word not mine) like her favorite cupcakes, she often finds herself binging on an entire box of cupcakes the next day. Does this sound familiar?
Deprivation,and denial, and words like "Bad", "Strict" and "Diet" can set us up for failure in our health and weight loss plans. I mentioned this issue later to one of my "Fashionista" friends, and described how so many women still use phrases like "I was so good today!" after not eating or enjoying any food at a party. The sad thing is that those women are the ones who inevitably overeat the next day and (after resisting the salty appetizers or chocolate truffles), find themselves craving and eating a large bag of potato chips or an entire box of rich chocolate fudge
My fashionista friend exclaimed, "I get it! Its kind of like when you really want a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes and you resist them because theyre way too expensive, and within a week youve spent the same amount on 4 pairs of cheap shoes and none of them makes you happy!" Well, yes, it is kind of like that.
In fact Im afraid I understand both of those scenarios all too well, and if you are reading this article, chances are you do too. The truth is that sometimes its good to follow our hearts desire, if you REALLY want to. That doesnt mean you should eat sugary cupcakes every day. But it does mean that if you are out with the girls for your best friends birthday and everyone is having cake, take a piece and eat half or the whole darn piece. Enjoy every bite, savor the taste and most importantly ALLOW yourself to. Give yourself permission to enjoy this treat.
Its OK to treat yourself occasionally, even if you are trying to lose weight. In fact, I recommend it to my clients. You dont want your strong desire to come out in a fullblown "Im deprived" kind of binge. The secret is to be judicious about your treats, and to try to plan for them if you can. Some people can get away with just a taste and that seems to do it. But many people are too emotionally attached to the whole cupcake and for those clients we need to plan our indulgences.
Our good intentions can often backfire when it comes to denial. The same goes for those Jimmy Choo shoes by the way. If you wear them often and you know they will still look great for the next couple of years, then consider them an investment if you can afford it.
