To cheat or to treat? That is the question.

I just wrapped up my 3^rd week of a month-long program of eating gluten free, dairy free, and no alcohol. As I’ve seen in the past when I limit gluten and dairy, my body just seems overall happier.  I’ve seen the scale move 6 lbs down, but more importantly, I have less brain fog, I am sleeping better (well, somewhat but kids…), my skin looks healthier, and I definitely have more energy overall. Here’s the secret to my success during a month where I am intentionally setting some parameters for my nutrition: I learned to treat, not cheat.

Break up with “cheating”

“Cheat: (verb); act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage” – Oxford Dictionary

I think words are incredibly important. I was thinking about the word “cheat” this month as I faced some hurdles with my plan to eat gluten and dairy free.  In the diet industry, I’ve heard the word cheat since well, forever.  Cheat meals. Cheat days. It’s strongly associated in my mind to sneaking a little something that isn’t what my body needs. Whether that is a dessert or a second helping, I will say 95% of my life, I have thought of anything extra as “cheating.” I’m going to encourage you right now. Stop saying “cheat” as it relates to your nutrition. Think about cheat in other aspects of life.  It has such a negative connotation, right?  Your spouse cheats. You cheat on a game or an exam. All of these things are hurtful and as the definition says, “dishonest or unfair act to gain an advantage.” So if I am cheating on my nutrition, I am being dishonest with myself and honestly being unfair to my body.

Start living

“Treat: (noun); an event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure.”

This month has had a few social events where I historically would have said, “I cheated” on my meal plan.  For example, my husband and I FINALLY had a date night for the first time since January. We went to one of our favorite restaurants and although I previewed the menu and had a plan knowing the best options, I got there and realized I just wanted to enjoy a fantastic meal with my husband. I had the risotto that I love. I had 1 glass of wine that paired perfectly with my sea bass.  Yes, I could have easily had the best dairy and gluten free option on the menu. I could have just had water. But I was in the moment and remembered that one meal is not going to throw off my entire month, because this is life. I didn’t try this way of eating as a diet. I specifically am trying this way of eating to adopt better habits to help me live. It wasn’t a “cheat” meal. It was a treat. An event that is out of the ordinary and gave me great pleasure. I enjoyed every bite.

Finding Balance

In this day and age, I frequently see “Treat yourself” as the meme or phrase when someone indulges. The example above that I shared was an indulgent treat. If I eat that every day, is it still a treat? What about that $7 latte that I love from the local coffee shop? Is that a treat if I consume it daily?  I no longer cheat, but I do treat. And this is helping me find the balance that I need to feel my best in my body, eating the things that are right for me.  Treating treats as treats. Making progress instead of being perfect. While also removing a negative word from my vocabulary as it relates to food.

Journal Prompts:

• Do I associate “cheating” with food?
• Track your nutritional “treats” each day. Reflect if a treat has become your normal routine and if that is serving your goals.