And finally....Something that make me think.....

I am addicted to that MTV show "I Used to be Fat".  If you've never seen it, features teenagers who have decided to spend their summer tackling their weight issues with the help of a trainer.  The trainers offer nutritional, emotional, and physical training to the teens.  The show chronicles their journey and documents just how hard weight loss is.  I just really like this show.

Anyhoo, as I was watching the last episode with my husband, the girl featured on the show said "I just feel like I deserved a little treat since I have worked so hard", when her trainer was questioning her about cheating on her diet.  This is the way I have ALWAYS felt about food.  I have always felt a sort of entitlement towards eating, and have always rewarded myself with food for any and all accomplishments.  I don't know where this comes from, and I am sure it is rooted somewhere deep down in my subconscious.  My husband, (skinny twig that he is), was so puzzled by her line of thinking.  He just couldn't understand it.  His comment was "She just worked for weeks to loose 35 pounds.  Why wouldn't she be thinking 'I deserve to be thin and healthy", or "I deserve a great new outfit". 

It just got me thinking about why I have always felt I "deserved" food, but never considered myself deserving of health, self-confidence, etc...

What things do you deserve instead of food? 

From what I am learning about myself....
Food = instant gratification = love (which I didn't always received when I was younger)....I just transferred this throughout my teenage and adulthood. Until my WLS, I was such an emotional eater; I am now having to find other non-food related "things" to pamper/reward myself with. 

ie:
-photography
-walks in nature
-phone calls to friends
-blogging/journalling

Your absolutely right I too think that way.  I deserved a treat for an accomplishment.  I'm struggling with what I've done with my daughter too.  Good job let go get a treat.  I guess it's part of the re-wiring of our brains.  I have tried making a special David's Tea instead of food.  It's a start.  It goes along with the the whole concept of I must finish my plate, do not waste... so hard to change.  I had lunch with a friend last week and I came away thinking...why wouldn't she just eat the last few spoonfuls of her soup?  She said she was full.  I'm only learning that now at age 50.  So much to re learn.  I must look for this show and PVR it.  Thanks for the great heads up.  Diane

So interesting to hear the contrast between her (and our) thinking, and your husbands.

Thank you for this, Marny.

It hink this food reward is imbedded in us all. after all we even give dogs cookies for good behavior. Did everyone get a chocolate bar for being good, how about a tim Bit etc.
I think the good thing from your conversation with your husband is he will reward you otherwise and I think you just got a go shooping pass for any time you wish! Because 'I deserve a great new outfit'.
I gonna try to get myself one of those.

I deserve a magazine, a pedicure and of coarse a mew outfit!

That is such a great post! Got me thinking about how I grew up. We celebrate EVERYTHING with food - Christmas (the biggie), birthday cake, Valentine chocolates, Easter candy, any reason to go to a restaurant for any celebration (retirement, promotion, leaving for another job etc) Food is an integral part of any achievement or celebration. I think that's why it is so hard to get away from that mindset of rewarding with food.

I have used clothing as a reward in the past. Also rewarding myself with an activity like horse back riding or some extreme sport like zip lining! I think rewarding with a holiday trip to some cool place would also be great!

Very insightful man that hubby of yours!   A keeper!
Instead of food, some ways to get a faster gratification:
- new nail polish
- new lipstick
-new earrings
- milestone goals deserve a spa treatment
- and for the food reward, I substitue with a speciality coffee

Thank you for posting that, Marny.  I'd actually never thought of how many times I've said to my kids after a great football game or ball hockey game, "Great job, guys!  Let's go get some ice cream!"  Or if they sit nicely while they get their hair cut we'll go to Tim Horton's for a 'treat'.  It just seemed like the natural thing to say/do.  However, this afternoon my 9 year old said he was so excited for tonight because after having a good, hard basketball practice, he was going to be rewarded by having his friend sleep over.  Looks like he has the right idea.  I could learn from him!

Great post Marny.... I personally have an obsession with shoes, which concerns my partner because he is slightly worried I will replace my desire for sweets with shoes...and we don't have enough space for more shoes... apparently... LOL (little does he know I have made space).

I too have rewarded myself with food, and now as I prepare to start my journey I need to prepare to reward myself in different ways.

Thank you for posting this and giving me something to think about...