“But Christina,” you say, “the prize for restricting these foods is weight loss.”
Or the prize is that you’ll live longer because you’ll be so much healthier.
Or the prize might be seeming superior to those around you for resisting food.
But the truth is, there is no prize. If you restrict something you truly enjoy, you’re only missing out and then constantly being reminded you’re missing out. This can lead to over-consuming the food in question because it became forbidden. There can be no sustainable weight loss if you’re continuously depriving yourself of what you enjoy, living longer won’t be fun if you’re not allowing yourself anything enjoyable to eat, and people could care less whether you did or did not eat a piece of candy at the party.
So this Halloween, if you enjoy Halloween candy, have some. If you don’t, have something else you enjoy. Because no one is giving out prizes for avoiding what gives you joy.
Seeking additional support in your relationship with food and your body? In search of an experienced eating disorder registered dietitian nutritionist in the Centerport, New York area or virtually? Send Christina an email to learn more about 1:1 nutrition therapy sessions!