Eat What You Want and Eat What You Love

People are dubious when I tell them they can eat what they want. 

There is no need to do modifications to sugar or fat when baking.

Make it like the recipe says - unless it calls for shortening. And even then, it might be okay.

Don’t use any modifications to lower fat. Salmon is nearly 60% fat. Therefore, low fat isn’t necessary.

Is reducing sugar necessary? Maybe, but sugar has a role in baking and making food palatable. 

No need to avoid alcohol.

No need to avoid sugar.

No need to skip your favorite treat.

There is no need to feel guilty about eating the fudge or the sugar cookie.

Enjoy the Buckeyes or the eggnog (or both).

Have the hot cocoa with whipped cream or the cider with caramel.

Why not?

Ask yourself: 

How often am I eating this?

How much am I eating?

Is my overall diet (eating pattern, not restricting) pretty good?

What is the reason I think chocolate is bad?

What is the reason I think I “shouldn’t” consume alcohol (wine, beer, or whatever cocktail I enjoy)?

Is my diet primarily healthy?

Am I eating out “all the time,” or is it “once in a while”?

Why do I feel I have to restrict certain foods?

If I have an allergy or intolerance and don’t feel good, that is one thing. But if it is because outside sources have said it is “bad” or not good? Ignore them. 

Now I want you to do the following: 

Permit yourself to eat what you love.

Enjoy what you love without guilt.

One meal, food, and event will NOT change your overall health status. It will not.

And, permitting yourself to eat what you love is NOT the same as eating as much as you want.

That is not what this is saying. Not at all. One, two, and even three cookies may be fine. A dozen in one sitting? You know how you will feel, which isn’t what this is saying. 

Enjoy WHAT you love. 

And don’t overdo it. 

You are not two years old.

And, if you find that you have no “self-control” with certain foods, then consider that you can still have them. But not keep it in the home.

And keep in mind this isn’t saying to eat what you love to the exclusion of the foods you “should” have. You know that.