5 Reasons Why Treating Yourself Won’t Wreck Your Healthy Lifestyle
At the start of each new year, many of us choose to be more intentional in what we eat. It starts with a healthy mindset, but we can easily succumb to the guilt roller coaster following an indulgent treat if we're not careful.
You may know the feeling well - the spiral of shame and self-judgment that follows shortly after your last bite of creamy ice cream - and it takes you on an emotional ride you can’t seem to get off until you find yourself vowing "never to eat [x] again."
We're here to offer you some grace from the guilt-coaster and encourage you not to clear your cabinets of all your favorite treats yet!
And here's why: studies show indulging in sweet, savory, rich, light - all kinds! - of treats can actually support your health-conscious lifestyle (and keep you and your loved ones sane in the process).
Here are 5 reasons the occasional splurge is mentally, emotionally, and physically good for you!
#1. A delicious treat can help reset your hormones!
Your go-to health strategy may sound a lot like the old "calories in versus calories out" mantra. But listen up, studies show that a consistently low-calorie diet adversely affects the hormone leptin, among others, which helps regulate your metabolism and energy output (why you begin to feel sluggish, and fat loss slows).
Allowing yourself a treat can help boost your metabolism, helping you continue to kick fat cells to the curb! Who knew a few cookies could do so much?
#2. Splurging with friends helps keep you connected.
And this is great for your brain. If you've ever been invited out with friends while following a strict diet plan, you know the problem well. Do you go out with friends and order a plain jane chicken breast (hold the everything) while drooling over your friends' hamburger, fries, and pie? Or do you stay home and resist the temptation, giving up your time to hang with friends?
Going out with friends and being okay with the occasional splurge can do more good for your mental and emotional health than an indulgent meal could ever hurt. The connections gained from a supportive friend group can lower stress levels, improve cardiovascular function, and more!
Focus on enjoying time with friends and select the feel-good foods you relish, whether or not they're on your diet's list of "approved foods."
#3. Indulging boosts mindfulness and improves your relationship with food and nutrition.
As you weave in more of the foods you previously avoided, you'll begin noticing how certain foods make you feel.
Viewing food as a source of energy and nutrition versus labeling it "bad" or "good" frees you to better assess how much energy certain foods give you, how they play into your mental clarity, and how well you sleep following those meals.
It's no surprise that your view of what a healthy diet looks like will change as you accommodate your new understanding.
#4. You will find enjoyment in all kinds of food.
Gaining a balanced mindset about food means you will look forward to both "treat meals" and healthier meals alike.
Recognizing no food is off-limits frees you to pay attention to what your body needs as well as what it wants!
#5. Meals become about more than just the food.
When you choose to enjoy a treat, make it an experience to enjoy and remember. Go out for ice cream with friends, or create delicious treats with your family with one of our Cookie Decorating Kits.
Or, stop by your favorite bakehouse (We know one! 😉) with a friend to enjoy a coffee and a cake pop. You'll soon find that splurging on your favorite sweet treats can turn into a highlight of your week when you do so with the ones you love!
The trick when you do indulge?
Share the experience. Pick up some sweets and treats you can enjoy at home with your family. OR? Make something new and enjoy the process.
Be present. This intentional act ensures you enjoy the flavors of each bite. Enjoy the food for how good it is and how appreciative you are of your company.
Reject the guilt. This is BIG! Every day is a new beginning! Even if you go overboard, know that you can rest and refuel with the nutrition your body needs later. Don't lock yourself into that guilt-coaster any longer!
For an extra-indulgent experience this Valentine’s Day, visit our online bakeshop to purchase a few of our LOVEly treats! Remember, you can purchase online and pick up in person!