Treat vs. Cheat

Adapted from the Winter 2008 edition of The Bariatrician

How often have you told yourself that you "cheated” on your diet because you had a piece of cheesecake at your friend's birthday or you gave into your Dairy Queen craving? No doubt this made you feel guilty and contributed to thoughts about a lower self-image. In fact, I'm sure many times the self-punishment resulted in further overeating and a vicious bingeing cycle. In other words, you ended up eating more because you felt guilty about eating in the first place. If you sit back and think about it, does this really make any sense?

These negative thoughts and actions stem from the guilt that arose from the fact that you felt you "cheated” on your diet. We all know that when you do something wrong and get caught for it, consequences follow – usually in the form of punishment. This is what you are doing to yourself when you blame yourself and feel guilty for "cheating” and having a piece of cheesecake.

Here is something that might be helpful in this common situation. When you would like to have a little dessert, change the word "cheat” to "treat.” This will break the vicious "guilt cycle” because you are telling yourself that you are "treating” yourself and as a result, good feelings and thoughts will come about.

Some patients worry that if they treat themselves, they could spiral back into their patterns of old eating habits. Remember, a "treat” is a special event, occasion or pleasure given. You are a good person, you deserve to treat yourself. In other words, if something is allowed, no guilty feelings will result. You will feel good about your little "treat” and carry on with positive thoughts about your weight control efforts.

So, from now on, discard those guilty thoughts by remembering to change your thoughts from "cheat” to "treat” when you have that "little extra.” Focus on your accomplishments and your successes, and then focus on how you were able to get right back on track!

You can do it. Don't ever give up.

Dr. Doug