Balance
I used to feel like I couldn’t buy certain foods. I would never buy that box of cookies because I thought that cookies were bad. Within the past several months I began to realize I can enjoy any food I want to – but in moderation. I know I have certain trigger foods (these foods I really do try not to buy because I know I lose all control around them) but other “bad” foods are fair game.
One day this summer I was standing in line at Target and saw a pack of Raisinets. I realized I could not remember the last time I actually bought candy from the checkout aisle. While this could make me proud, it actually made me sad. I thought back to my younger years when my mom would let me and my sister pick out a candy bar as a treat and I would feel so happy (I’d always pick a Twix or Caramello bar :)).
Caramello - Chocolate & Caramel Yum!
I bought the pack of Raisinets, determined to incorporate them into my balanced eating. I savored the candy over the course of three days (shocking, I know) and enjoyed a handful whenever a craving hit. I also topped my morning Greek yogurt with the candies, successfully incorporating them into a wholesome meal.
Though I obviously become a victim to cravings regularly (hence this weekend and the gobs of ice cream *my trigger food* I ate), I am slowly trying to take a balanced approach to enjoying the “bad” foods, while realizing they’re not so bad after all.
I now give into my cravings and realize that one cookie really is enough. The rest of the cookies will still be there tomorrow, and I can enjoy another delicious treat when a craving hits.
I do not completely avoid my trigger foods, but when I buy these items, I know I’m really testing my will power:
1. Cheez-its
2. Ice Cream
3. Peanut Butter M&Ms
4. White Cheddar Popcorn
5. Corn Pops Cereal
Question: What are your trigger foods? How do you satisfy your cravings?
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Thanks for the comment on my blog.. Glad I found yours 🙂
1. candy, especially fruity kind.. i.e. skittles, starbust
2. sugar cookies
3. gold fish
I am all for everything in moderations- my trigger foods are:
1. Popcorn
2. Cheese
3. Wine!
For sure my trigger food is peanut butter – how blog appropriate! One way for me to enjoy it is to have a peanut butter spoon with my morning oats. It’s still eating peanut butter off a spoon but without holding onto the jar, which can lead to an extra dip or two!
– Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
I do not crave junk food on a daily basis, a random gift. I think it’s because I much prefer a salty snack over a sugary one. However these are 3 of my faves!
Pringles-I can easily eat a whole can of sour cream and onion! (Once you pop, you can’t stop!)
Haagen Daaz peanut butter and chocolate ice cream….oh my heaven!!!
Uncrustables…once I have one I am ready for another haha.
uncrustables!? hahaha you’re too funny… you should talk to daniel about this one. :o)
I freakin loooove peanut butter m&m’s and white cheddar popcorn!! I also have a weakeness for french fries and warm bread..yumm
ooooh warm bread… that’s a great one. so tasty!
OH geez…your list looks like mine. l love all of those foods!!
1. Peanut butter
2. Nutella
3. Granola
4. Roasted cashews
5. Apple pie
I love sweet nutty things with lots of textures. It’s amazing how healthy it is not to avoid cravings. I always feel healthiest when I eat a little bit of everything, even stuff that isn’t necessarily “good” for you!
Ice cream, candy corn, and baked goods are all triggers for me but I can still enjoy them in moderation after a looootttt of practice. Although, we’ll see what happens post comp! Hehehehe. And of course I have to say that I loooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeee this post! 🙂
ICE CREAM and COOKIES!
Trigger foods for me include anything with sugar and peanut butter in all forms. In fact…I hardly keep it at home.
Cute blog!
B
I thought I was the weirdest person ever for having sugary cereal as a “trigger food,” but it seems like a common thing! I love your approach to food. Labeling food as “bad” can contribute to, at best, an unbalanced and depressing eating pattern, and at worst, eating disorders.