We all do it. Perhaps because we were brought up doing it, perhaps because it IS so damn satisfying. Food as reward.

I finished studying = a couple cookies
I had a horrible day = pasta dinner to make it all better
I'm terribly angry at (fill in the blank) = bring on the ice cream!

I started thinking about this as I sent my niece out the door with her mother just now, holding a chocolate treat that I had told her she could have if she was a good girl at nap time (niece, not mom). Why did I do it? A) Because she's so darn cute and I wanted to give her a treat B) Because I want to TRY to make my best-friend's day a tiny bit easier and C) because I'm happy to move the chocolate OUT of my house! Is it right? Absolutely not. Giving children bribes or food rewards can be a factor in their future relationship with food. Do we want our children to grow up to be adults who soothe or reward themselves with food? Not - unless they're doing it with carrot sticks and clean water! So why do we do it? Because it works so darn well!

Think about that the next time you think to offer a food reward. Would the person you are attempting to reward or soothe be just as happy with something else? Perhaps a small toy or a trip to the park; or just so quality one-on-one time? The same goes for adults. I hear clients tell me all the time that they are having a hard time sticking to their diet because their spouses keep bringing home candy or chocolates. How about a magazine or some flowers? ... Something a little lighter calorically?

Think about the bigger picture before you hand over that treat. Is it just a treat (which we are all deserving of from time to time) or something that could have deeper meaning or effect? You'll be doing your spouse/child/friend a favor to offer them something a little healthier next time.


Activity: taught Bellies and Strollers in High Park

Breakfast:
1 cup water
1 cup coffee with 1% milk

1 cup water
1 bowl Special K with 1% milk
1 banana

Snack:
1 cup water
1/2 banana muffin

Lunch:
2 cups water
1 over easy egg
1 slice 100% rye toast with scant butter

Snack:
tiny bowl corn tortilla chips

2 cups water

Dinner:
3 cups water
1 grilled chicken thigh
1 small grilled lamb sausage
1 1/2 cups roasted vegetable and avocado salad
1/4 grilled yellow pepper
3 grilled spring onions
1/2 cheddar and tomato quesadilla
1/2 grilled tortilla
1 tbs fresh salsa

Snack:
1 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup banana walnut chocolate biscotti crisps
2 small pieces chocolate