I am really upset with myself. My parents are always eating healthy and try to provide the best food for us, but I have an addiction. I am obsessed with sweets.
I've tried eating fruit, chocolate-covered fruits, low-fat and sugar-free sweets, but nothing seems to work. I am also as skinny as a rail. Everyone says I have nothing to worry about, but I'm scared. I can wipe out $20 just on snacks in a week to two weeks. Can you help me stop?
Hey girl!
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who wasn’t a fan of sweets, especially chocolate. That said, it's important to remember that moderation is the key to being healthy. You just need to eat healthier and cut back on your sweets intake. Once you get into that habit, it will be much easier for you to save money and curb your addiction.
Don't drop cash on candy
If you don’t have the green to buy junk food, you can’t buy sweets to begin with. Open up a savings account either at a bank or in a piggy bank that you can't open unless you crack. Save up for something special—like an iPod, camera or new phone. If you want to keep some extra moolah around the house, give it to mom or dad so they can dole it out ONLY when it's necessary. That way it’s not in your wallet and it’s out of sight when you pass that vending machine at 3 p.m.
Stay sweetly satisfied
It’s important to listen to your body. Don't deny yourself the occasional treat—just switch it up for healthier, better-for-you options. Love chocolate? Go for a slab of antioxidant-loaded dark instead of milk. Just can't quit your after-school Oreo addiction? Look for 100 Calorie Packs with similar stuff. And it's totally fine to dig into a bit of the REAL stuff two or three times a week—so long as you're not noshing on it (and A LOT of it) every day.
A little bit can go a long way
Another way to fix your sweets obsession is portion control. Instead of eating a whole bar of chocolate at one time, break it into pieces and eat once sliver every once in a while. Or, try smaller versions of stuff you really love—have a few Reese's pieces instead of a king-sized serving, munch on just one Hershey's Kiss if you're craving milky chocolate or ask your BFF to go halfsies with you on the caf's mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies.
Treat your body
We're so happy to hear you're concerned about your health and well-being. Sure, you're super-skinny, but it's important to eat healthy, well-balanced meals with fruits and veggies to keep you fit 'n' fabulous. Remember, your bod is beautiful, and it's your job to keep it that way. Plus, diabetes is on the rise, and too much sugar could lead to probs later on in life. Just relax, listen to what your body wants and enjoy everything in moderation. Concerned that you're overeating or feel like you're sugar-watching has turned into an obsession? Please talk to a trusted adult or guidance counselor ASAP before this turns into an eating disorder.
Xoxo,
Liz
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POSTED ON 3/1/2010 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN addiction, bad habit