Sugar Showdown 2007

Why, when we deny ourselves of something, we find we want it even more? Especially (in my case) sugar, chocolate and men.

I tried to "break up" with sugar ten times in one day last week. Ten times. It was a constant debate between my willpower and the power of holiday yummies.

For example, after one too many sugar cookies I said... "That's it. Enough! I don't need you sugar cookie." I would then remind myself why the sugar cookies are bad for me, feel oh-so superior and walk away and sit in another room.

And then I would sit. And I think about them sitting in their little Christmas tin. I wonder what they are doing. Then I think ... just one more. Why not? I mean they can't be THAT bad for me when they taste so good can they? It's a vicious cycle.

And then there is chocolate. I know better than to keep it in my apartment. But when I occasionally do have it around I'll take a little bit and savor a small bite and let it melt in my mouth as I recall the words of health professionals, "Don't totally deny yourself of chocolate... allow yourself to have a little bit so you don't feel deprived of it and eat more than you should." I convince myself that I'm satisfied from my little square of yumminess and I walk away.

And then I think about things... like, you know, chocolate and stuff. This is when I might make hot chocolate, the "lower calorie chocolate fix" and wish I just ate more actual chocolate. And so I do.

And men. Why is it that the good ones... the ones I should want (I'll compare these types to veggies) I can't find. While the bad ones... the ones I try to avoid or talk myself out of (male equivalent to sugar and chocolate) are the ones I can't stop thinking about? Hmmmm.

This brings me to my New Year's resolutions. I refuse to feel crappy about anything I eat after the fact. So I will allow myself the following: 1- One sugary thing a day. 2- As much chocolate I want, as to avoid eating large amounts later 3- Dates with only veggie men... ones that are good for me. 4- Workout enough to work off the chocolate I eat.

I have a few more resolutions that I will share later... I know, I know the suspense is killing you!

The Dish: I actually really do like vegetables... so this shouldn't be too hard.