I Was Unprepared

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Halloween candy. Ugh.

Truth is, I don’t even like it. Maybe it’s because I have re-trained my taste buds to enjoy better quality food or maybe it’s because I know what’s in the candy and how it impacts my body (headaches & breakouts anyone?). 

But there it sat, staring at me. 

I knew it wasn't worth it. Sure, I love peanut butter and chocolate together. So Reese’s are a temptation. But truth is, the dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s and Justin‘s peanut butter cups are better than Reese’s.

I said what I said.

 So it’s definitely not worth it. So why, oh why, did I find myself unwrapping a piece of candy and popping it into my mouth? 

Reasons you grab a cheat food

It could be any number of reasons

  • Maybe I’m tired, and I need a little energy that my body knows the sugar will give me 

  • Maybe I haven’t been taking care of myself, and it feels like a little treat

  • Maybe it’s Halloween (or insert other celebration), and I want to celebrate 

  • Maybe I’m stressed and I’m eating it just because it’s there

  • Maybe… I could list at least dozen more reasons, but you get the point

 If I’m being completely honest with myself, all of those things were in play when I grabbed that candy. That’s one of the reasons dialing in our nutrition is so challenging.

 So what’s a person on a mission to live her healthiest and happiest life to do?

 There’s a couple different options:

  1. Let it all go. No, don’t let all your health and nutrition go, but let all the stuff that doesn’t benefit your body go. Don’t put it in your body any more. Ever.

  2. Moderation. Figure out your personal red, yellow, and green light foods. And stick to it.

 If you’re a #1, more power to you. I understand in theory that is what would be “best” for my body. But I’m more than a body. Emotionally giving up treat food makes me want to cry… then rebel, rebel, rebel.

But that’s me. And we’re all different.

In fact, that’s one of the reasons so many of us have struggled on our health journey for so long. We’ve tried to follow someone else’s magic plan that promises instant results. Only to have so called plan not work for us. Or only work for a couple weeks.

Yes, it’s frustrating. And exhausting. And it would be a million times easier if someone could just tell us exactly what to eat, what not to eat, and (here’s the key) us be genuinely happy about that meal plan.

Yeah… that’s not going to work for me.

Unless you include chocolate, wine, ice cream, and cookies on the menu somewhere, there’s no way I’m going to be compliant. I’m just not.

And this is my JOB.

I used to feel embarrassed and shameful about the fact that I didn’t want to give those things up forever. But instead of choosing negative emotions around my food choices (desires), I decided to own them.

I like good food. I like good wine. And I like treating myself occasionally.

This doesn’t give me a pass to go hogwild on these things. It doesn’t even mean I’m going to have them every day or even every week. But I refuse to feel bad if I decide to have a treat… as long as it’s an upgraded treat and it’s worth it.

What is an upgraded treat? I’m glad you asked.

When I say upgraded, I mean the best I can get. You know, the nice stuff made with the good ingredients. Treats with high quality ingredients, generally organic, are my go-to. (If you’re just starting out, I love the reference charts in the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook as a guide for upgrading your ingredients)

Which brings me back to my story. I realized it wasn’t worth it. I also realized, that I’m normally more prepared for the influx of holiday treats.

So instead of getting mad at myself, I did what was best for me. I made myself an upgraded treat. The Chocolate Bark from the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook lasted me a week and got me through the Halloween hump.

Then, I grabbed my holiday survival guide to fill out and review for the next couple months. Yes, I really use my own tools. Next time, I’m going to be prepared. But if life happens, I’m not giving up or waiting until January. Why wait? Let’s do this now. Let’s live our healthiest happiest FRICKin Best Lives… even and especially during the holidays.