To Treat or NOT to Treat?

Article written by Jessica Barker.

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of losing weight is giving up certain foods. And let’s face it, often the foods we need to give up are the foods we love and the foods that have caused us to put the weight on in the first place. Giving these foods up completely can be very difficult especially since they have been a part of life for long. But do you really need to completely avoid all your favorite foods and never treat yourself to something a little indulgent while trying to lose weight?

Well, guess what, you can enjoy some indulgent foods while still losing weight. The key is moderation and small portion sizes. On the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program you can enjoy two indulgences per week. We have an extensive list of ‘Treat options’ which includes foods like chocolate, yogurt, ice cream and alcohol. Perhaps you are a sweet tooth or enjoy a nice glass of wine. Whatever the food we have a treat option for you, so speak to your Tony Ferguson Conselor or give our call centre a call on 1866 5180 407 for more information.

But should I really be treating myself while trying to lose weight?

Having a treat a couple of times per week is important for many different reasons including:

So you don’t feel deprived.
Denying yourself of the foods you enjoy is a killer to all weight loss programs. It is important to know you can still enjoy food and eat healthy.
Helps to prevent binging or falling of the weight loss wagon altogether.
If you don’t allow yourself to have a couple of treats per week, you are at a higher risk of quitting. One day temptation will find you and you may cave. Unfortunately some people never try again. So it is important to stop this from happening from the beginning. Allow yourself to have a portion controlled treat, even make an appointment in your weekly plan for it!
Helps you incorporate more realistic eating habits.
By including an occasional indulgence, you are teaching your body that it is ok to have these foods in moderation. This is a skill that will be useful later when you are maintaining your weight.
Treating yourself gives you something to look forward to.
Knowing that there is an indulgent food in your near future can help keep you motivated and on the Program. Spread out your treats so that there are two days during the week to look forward to. For instance set Wednesday and Saturday as treat days, so you will always know something yummy is just around the corner.
Guilt - free Eating.
When we eat food that isn’t so good for us it often leads to feelings of guilt, especially when we are trying to lose weight. On Tony Ferguson there is no reason to feel guilty when treating yourself because we have incorporated treats into your Program.

What if I go overboard?

Some people are afraid to allow themselves to have a treat. Believing that if you give an inch they will take a mile. There are many things you can do to stop overindulging on your tempting treats, here are some ideas

Have Treat with a fruit serve.
A great time to have your treat is at the same time as one of your fruit serves. Having your treat with one of your fruit serves will not only make it go further but can also be a means to a great dessert creation e.g. try our Chocolate dipped Strawberries recipe.
Incorporate your treat into your protein serve or shake.
Have a large vegetable side dish for your meal and use your protein or shake as a dessert. Fat free ricotta or cottage cheese are options on your protein list which can be used to create a delicious dessert using your treat option for that extra indulgence! Try our Banana Choc Chip Pancakes. You may also use your shakes to make a bakery product which can incorporate your treat options for that extra yummy factor, try our Chocolate Fudge Brownies.
Take the time to enjoy your Treat.
I’m sure we have all sat down in front of the TV with a bag of chips watching our favorite show and before we know it all the chips are gone and we can’t even remember eating them. That is why it is important to take time to eat our treat and enjoy every mouthful!
Brush your teeth.
Another good idea is to either brush your teeth or chew some gum after you have finished eating your treat. This will help prevent you going for more.
Limit Treat availability.
If you are really worried, only have one treat in your house. You can’t eat what’s not there!

Eating yummy foods and still losing weight can be a part of your weight loss plan. The key is moderation not deprivation. So ask your Tony Ferguson Conselor or call our call centre on 1866 5180 407 for more information on how you can have your treat and eat it too!

Last updated 29 June 2009