Last time we talked about cheating but today I'd like to discuss treating. I believe there is a HUGE difference between a Cheat and a Treat. A Cheat to me equals "giving in to temptation" whereas a Treat equals "enjoying in moderation". I believe that every diet should incorporate treats and those that don't...well, they set you up for cheats (which are usually much more harmful than a planned treat). So, without further ado...this is the way to "treat on your diet":
Believe Your Willpower is Bogus - If you believe that you can be tempted (which we ALL can be) you are well on your way to treating. You know that you are not perfect and will never be. You know that if you don't plan ahead, you will likely chose something less than ideal in a pinch. You know that you can't trust your feelings. You keep your focus on your goals and you do not rely on your willpower to accomplish them.
Fantasize about The NEW You - People who lose sight of what they are working towards are far more likely to cheat. They want the overnight cure...when it doesn't happen they become discouraged and end up cheating. You know it's going to take time and work to change your body so face the music but don't forget to daydream about what it will be like to realize your goals. Review those goals daily and especially when you feel tempted to undo all your hard work with a binge.
Plan Breaks from The Good Food - You know it would be highly unlikely to go the rest of your life without having so much as a small cookie. So, it only makes sense to go ahead and plan for it. Whether you plan to treat yourself once a day (a friend of mine has a small piece of dark chocolate every afternoon), once a week (I have a free-day each week) or once a month...it doesn't matter what you choose, just pick a time/day when you will give yourself a treat. A girlfriend of mine used to keep a list of all the junk she craved throughout the week. Then, on her "treat" day (or free-day) she would eat things from that list. Your method may be different but be sure to plan those breaks.
When You Treat, Enjoy It! - You've planned for this treat. You've worked hard and you've exercised patience. You aren't giving in to some craving, you are deliberately enjoying the food you've chosen to treat yourself with. Often times when people hear that I have a free-day they tend to say things that could make me feel guilty for enjoying some of The Other Food. Things like, "think how far you could be if you didn't do that". Cheating should produce guilt...treating should not. If you allow guilt to creep into your treating...it will turn to cheating so keep an eye on that. When you build enjoyable, guilt-free, treating into your diet plan you are far more likely to stick to it long-term. You are also more likely to reach your goals as a result.