I remember a time in college when my roommates made cookies with egg substitute, artificial sweetener and butter substitute. The cookies shared the texture of hockey pucks…and the taste, too. Even though these cookies had fewer calories than their more traditional counterparts, they also lacked one important ingredient – enjoyment.
We are all different and share different tastes and interests. But whether our diet or meal plan is vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, paleo or the food exchange system, it should be something we, for the most part, enjoy. As we gear up for the time of year when advertisements promise to be the answer to all of our dieting woes, just remember the old adage that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
It’s been said that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Why not apply this same sentiment to your meal plan? If you choose the nutritious foods that you enjoy, and balance them with occasional treats, you’ll never have to “diet” a day in your life.
Members, be sure to check out Dishing on Fad Diets, the Focus on Nutrition feature in the December/January issue of TOPS News magazine.
I have been a night time Binger for 50 years. Started as a kid hiding chocolate bars under my pillow to give me comfort while my mom and dad argued. I have tried everything to stop. This year I’m trying a new approach. I will eat less during the day and save enough calories to have a big healthy snack. Bran flakes with nuts and raisins or a protein shake with a frozen banana. I can’t kick this 50 year habit so I will embrace it and still lose weight.