A while back, I talked about how cookies, cakes and bread can make you stupid. That’s why we shouldn’t eat them regularly.

With that said, if you have read my blogs or social media posts, you know I’m a huge promoter of what I call “planned indulgences,” because, let’s face it: who wants to spend the rest of their life eating only healthy food?

Not me! I love my burger and fries and chocolate desserts every now and again, and I would probably go crazy without these treats.

There is a way to enjoy your favourite treat foods without affecting the scale: you just have to plan for it.  Aim for up to 20% of your foods to be indulgences and you’ll still be winning.

Treat Your Diet Like Your Checkbook

Think about it in terms of budgeting. If you only have $200 and you need to purchase a new outfit, you have to be smart about where you put your money. If you decide to blow $150 of the budget on a pair of stilettos that you just can’t live without, you have to scrimp a little on your dress. Otherwise, you’ll go over budget.

Now, this isn’t about self-deprivation or never letting yourself be frivolous. Sometimes you just have to have an extravagant pair of Jimmy Choo shoes (which, by the way, I don’t own). Don’t feel like you have to restrain yourself so strictly that you’re living in a world of shoe envy all the time – that’s not fun, and it ultimately sets you up for failure.

You just have to know your plan. When it comes to my food budget, my favourite planned indulgences are things like gooey desserts, a plump burger and fries, chips and salsa, and fresh, hot sourdough bread out of the oven at my favourite restaurant – real butter included! Does that make your mouth water?

Here’s The Catch

I love my planned indulgences, but they have to be indulgent. My indulgences must be mind-blowingly, food-orgasmically good… or I’m not going to eat it! Period. I refuse to waste calories and planned indulgences on average food. It’s not going to happen!

Moral of the Story

If your planned indulgence doesn’t send you to the moon with pleasure, spit it out! Send it back! You have my permission to do whatever it takes to get that food out of sight. Save your calories for something that’s really worth it.

I’m curious: what are your favourite planned indulgences?

Chocolate cake? Sprinkle donuts? Margaritas?  Join us in the EatMoveLive Facebook Group and let us know.