Rethinking Treats
This is partly the effect of canny marketing. When it comes to chocolate in particular, advertisers are keen to promote the idea of it being a luxurious treat - encouraging us to "treat ourselves" by spending money on their wares. This is just one example of chocolate advertising in action (from The Chocolate Box):
The "Treat Yourself" Box Don't think twice about treating yourself to these delights, even if they're not yours. Should anyone catch you, just give them the tried and tested 'wide-eyed puppy dog stare' and all will be forgiven.
And Hallowe'en, of course, is another culprit - with "trick or treat" usually involving candy as the treat.
Rather than always thinking of a "treat" as something that's inherently bad for you (but enjoyable), how about finding treats that you love and that are healthy?
Foodie Treats
There are loads of delicious foods that we might consider treats (often because they're a little more expensive than everyday foods). These are some of my favorites, all of which I consider a treat!
- King prawns (prawns are low in fat and high in protein)
- Smoked salmon (high in omega-3 and vitamin E)
- Olives and olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart)
- Salads - beyond just a limp lettuce leaf (packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals)
What healthy foods do you love to eat? Which could you incorporate into your diet as a treat, a couple of times a week?
Active Treats
Too many of us think of exercise as a chore, something that we dislike but have to do. Can you change your mindset here and start considering your exercise as something fun and enjoyable? When I worked full-time in an office, I used to go to the gym in my lunch hour - and getting away from my desk and the stress of the office environment really did feel like a treat.
- Go on a long walk with your partner, through beautiful countryside.
- See your exercise as "me time", to take a break from your busy day.
- Get together with friends to do something fun and active at the weekend - the sillier the better!
- Try out a new sport or class that you'd like to have a go at.
What Are Your Treats?
If you're reading this, I know you're keen to live a healthy life. What treats make you healthy and happy? How do you treat your body with the respect and love it deserves?
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You know, I miss the original protein bars. You know, the kind that were basically ONLY protein, no extra garbage/chocolate/sugars/caramel/marshmallow... just a bunch of peanut-butter flavored, hard to chew, miserable whey protein.
Sometimes I want to slam a quick bar, but don't feel like getting refined sugars in my body. That's all those bars seem to have anymore. Anyone know where I can find what I'm looking for? Would love to add it to my site.
As for other good snacks, I sometimes grab a tablespoon of natural peanut butter and also like almonds and good, spicy beef jerky.
ReplyGreat blog, great information thanks for the help. For a healthy treat I like to eat nuts, high in protein and it has some good fats in it. For exercise I like to play racquetball as a "treat".
ReplyFirst off, my treat would have to be Crab legs, which are expensive around here.
"Treating yourself" or "indulging" doesn't have to mean food! one of my favorite "indulgences" is expensive body lotions and skin care treatments! Nothing feels better after a workout than a hot shower with some extra pampering added in!
-Meg
ReplyRethinking Treats!!! i guess its a good idea and there are ways we can treat our selfs and to diet ,you can check this link it might do u good.......
Replyhttp://www.burnthefat.com/
MMm, Im also a sucker for smoked salmon. I also like "bath treats", little bath bombs, some nice bubble bath. Even some fruits or berries that are out of my price range- if i'm not splurging on naughty fast food then I use that money for REAL treats!
ReplyI love diving into edamame or something semi-exotic that you can have at home. I love foods that are a little labor-intensive too, that way I don't plow through a huge portion size without realizing it.
ReplyOne of my favorite foodie treats is shrimp. I don't get to eat it often because it's pretty expensive around here, but I absolutely LOVE it. I also sometimes treat myself to a new nail polish or new makeup...I think as long as we make ourselves feel rewarded, our bodies don't much care whether we use food or something else to make us feel special.
ReplyI recommend you avoid turning foods like chocolate into 'bad' foods by eating them regularly! It might sound silly, and I guess it's odd advice coming from a health blogger, but I find that if you view all foods as okay to eat (in moderation) then it becomes easier to tune into what your body really wants. more often than not we intrinsically crave healthy foods (including natural fats and proteins), and it becomes much easier to resist a big binge if you know that you are allowed to indulge a little every day. I believe that any food can be healthy or unhealthy depending on what you do with it and what your thoughts are about that food.
ReplyI agree. I am a professional nutritionist and have found that allowing my clients to have 'controlled portion sizes' of treat foods it removes the psychological component of clients wanting to eat what they cant have. Clients dont binge and they learn that they can have small amounts of treats in moderation and still lose weight.
ReplyI enjoy having good quality teas. I love Peet's blends and I use stevia and sometimes milk in them. A warm cup of tea is so nice this time of year. They are treats that are healthy and low calorie.
ReplyI prefer not to think of food as treats - for me all food is psychologically legal, so there's no need for any of it to be a 'treat.' I eat what I love and enjoy every mouthful, so in that way, each mouthful is a treat. I believe in a concept I call 'happy eating' and it sure has made a difference to how I eat.
ReplyMy idea of a treat is fresh squeezed juices or smoothies (real smoothies! Not those crazy milk-shake-wannabes). They are so delicious and nutritious, but usually rather pricey, so i only get them when i want to have a 'treat' or someone else is buying!
In order to get my chocolate fix, i get high quality dark chocolate covered espresso beans. I know that i have to eat them in moderation because otherwise they'll keep me up all night!
ReplyI've been looking into Raw food these days and have found many articles indicating Raw chocolate/Cacao is very good for you. This is how I've been getting my chocolate fix lately.
I'm actually thinking of going raw or at least a high percentage of raw. To get there I plan on taking part in a Total Cleanse that's being offered through the web. I'm hoping it will jump start me to a healther life style. The web address is http://www.cartville.com/app/?Clk=2712618 in case anyone else is interested. So far I've signed up for his emails and one of his running ipod downloads and found them to be excellent - very motivating. I'm also thinking of signing up for the fitter U downloads which will provide me with a 12 week exercise program. Has anyone out there tried this program?
So my fingers are crossed that by January 1st my snacking choices become better and I can pass this down to my kids.
ReplyMy favourite shack is trail mix. Love that stuff, also stuffed olives.
ReplyThis reminds me of my favorite video.
ReplyOne treat Every Day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-hfhGHvF18&feature=related
sooo funny
Keep it real. I just found this brand new blog about some guy tracking what he eats to get fit again. It's too funny, but I really think he's going to make it.
it's on blogger. I hope i got this right, I think it's detoxdaily.blogspot.com
ReplyMy favorite treat would most definitely be fresh fruit!!! I would eat fruit all the time if I could. I make myself a HUGE fruit salad about ever 3-4 days with a whole pineapple, cantalope, and about a pound of grapes. It's delicious, but gets expensive (about $7 per salad, but they last several days).
ReplyWhat a great idea!
ReplyI made a long list of non-food rewards that I give myself after achieving different types of goals. Big goals get big rewards, little goals get little rewards. My favorite reward is jewelry, of course. But a bubble bath or trip to the salon for a pedicure are also great rewards too.
I posted the list I compiled on my blog if anyone wants to take a peek:
Replyhttp://pamtremble.blogspot.com/2008/03/achieve-goal-reward-yourself.html
Chocolate, just can't live without it. But eating a healthy diet makes it tough to indulge in my favorite. I found this article with a suggestion that I just may be able to live with. A Friday "Free" Day, yea.
http://www.franksamericanstore.com/content/category/4/26/550667/
Now I think this could work for me. What do you think?
ReplyI love nuts and fresh fruit. I often wish they were less expensive.
Mangos, grapes, cantaloupe, and pineapple totally cures my sweet tooth.
Reply