I did spend quit a bit of time sitting yesterday because I went to the theater and saw "Gone With The Wind" on the big screen. I've always loved that movie and to be able to have the chance to see it on the big screen was a wonderful opportunity.
Watching that movie in the theater did bring up a bit of a challenge. The movie is four hours long, so I would need some sort of snack to get me through it. I smuggled in some homemade granola, carrots, a green apple and a serving of cheese. More than enough to get me through movie. But more importantly, it kept me away from movie theater popcorn. Which is love! Logically, I know how bad that popcorn is for me (especially when I get the extra butter). I also know that as much as I love the popcorn, my body doesn't process it well and I end up feeling yucky, or downright miserable, the next day. So I only get movie theater popcorn about 3 or 4 times a year. Just enough to keep my taste buds happy, but I don't feel miserable after every trip to the movies.
I now consider movie theater popcorn as a treat, not a snack.
What's the different between a treat or a snack? Prior to joining Weight Watchers, for me, there was no difference. Snacks were treats. Cookies, pastries, chips, candy, ice cream. Treats were snacks.
It's only been since switching to clean eating, that I have come to realize there is a difference. Snacks should be healthy foods used to help with the hungry feeling between meals. A treat is food you only have occasionally, something you shouldn't be eating on a daily basis. So, all the foods that I used to consider snacks, were actually treats.
Even though I now have a clear distinction between snacks and treats, it doesn't mean I always make the best choices when I'm looking for something to "tide me over" until the next meal. Old habits (especially ones I've had since childhood) are hard to break. And when that feeling to have a snack comes over me, my first thought is something high in sugar and/or carbs. I don't immediately think, "yes, veggies... I should eat carrots." I have to go through this mental dialogue, reminding myself what a snack really is, figuring out which healthy food will keep me satisfied until the next meal but at the same time help with any craving I may be having.
Sometimes I make the right choice, but other times, the mental dialogue takes a turn and I end up making a not-so-good choice. I usually try and justify the treat by telling myself that I deserve it ("I ran three miles this morning..."), for comfort ("this cookie will make me feel better..."), or I bargain for it ("I'll eat healthy the rest of the day...").
And what happens when I eat the treat instead of a snack? One of two things. I either feel bad for eating it, then eat something else to ease my guilt, and start that vicious cycle or it triggers my sugar/carb cravings and I continue to eat badly the rest of the day.
However, if I eat a snack, then I just eat it, feel satisfied without the guilt or cravings, and I can move on with my day.
Following the 21 Day Sugar Detox has helped a lot, by taking the choices out of my hands. I have a few on-plan snacks and though there are "non-sweet treat" recipes in the cookbook, I haven't had a craving or desire strong enough to make them yet. I may make some after the detox and have them in the freezer so if I do get the hankering for a treat, I will be better prepared to handle it.
Halfway through day 16 of the detox and still going strong. No reason why I can't finish the detox now, only 5 days to go and our meals and snacks are planned out between now and then. Going to keep positive and keep moving forward.
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