Last Thursday I sat down with nutritionist Nancy Bennett to discuss my bete noire which is sweets. She said something to me which made perfect sense - "when you eat your chocolate or other desserts, treat it as though you are taking a vacation away from your day." My days are crazy busy and eating food often feels like another task. So much so that I rarely enjoy my Trader Joe's dark chocolate squares or the salted caramels from Miette Confiserie.
I took her advice to heart, picked up individual sized Scharffenberger dark chocolate bars (which p.s. are a little spendy for their size) and gave myself a moment of quiet as I sat down to enjoy one. Though it was completely foreign to me to actually relax and enjoy my treat, I followed her instructions. After a few deep breaths, a bite here and there and complete silence, I felt much more relaxed and even satiated. A baby step I know, but I am willing to try to make a ritual out of enjoying treats so I don't aimlessly eat and overindulge without being satisfied.
Nancy spent a lot of time discussing not just what I ate, but how I approached my food. Together we came up with a list of chocolate that I could eat as snacks. My choices included the Scharffenberger bars, Chocolate Covered Biscotti, Chocolate covered fruit (portion controlled) and Hot Chocolate. Don't get me wrong, she also gave me a handout which recommended yogurt and dry roasted edamame as snacks as well, but I wanted something geared towards my trigger foods. She also gave me a "travel bag" to bring with me to work where I could pack away healthy snacks to always keep on hand. The bag included cups for portion control to make it easier to pack the right foods in the right amounts.
I'd highly recommend using Nancy to discuss your food issues. Be forewarned though, she will ask your commitment level to making changes before even meeting with you. When and if you are ready to make changes no matter how big or small, she can be reached at 415-346-1475 by phone or via email a info@enlighteningchoices.com.
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