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Original poster

If you don't treat yourself with food, what do you treat yourself with?

75 replies

GoGoNoGo · 18/02/2021 12:44

I don't have an issue with food but I am one of those people who does have to constantly watch their weight, mainly because I love food. I really enjoy eating and always have done. If I ever have to go on a diet, I find myself constantly hungry and constantly thinking about food, no matter what diet it is!

I was reading an article the other day that said something that differentiates people like me to other people is that I regard food as a treat, something that picks me up when I'm feeling down or consoles me if I've had a bad day. And it really rang a bell. I have a really tough day at work today so after I walked the dog, I went into the coffee shop and got a take away coffee and bun and it immediately made me feel better!

What it made me think though, is if you don't do that, what do you do that picks you up in such an instant and quick way? I would like to try and change my mindset around this but realise it's not particularly easy and wanted to try and understand what other people did (I'm now nearly 50 so this has been a lifelong thing for me!)

OP posts:
Pizzaandgarlicdip · 18/02/2021 12:45

I’ve started having a long bubble bath in the evenings with candles and a book. Stops me sitting on the sofa and snacking!

DrinkRefilled · 18/02/2021 12:46

Wine

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 18/02/2021 12:47

I do this op- the idea of a coffee and pastry at my desk (pre Covid) was a reward for working ....

sadpapercourtesan · 18/02/2021 12:48

Books, scented candles, nice lip balm, bath bombs, stationery, posh cooking ingredients (for making things for other people!), time (ie I've done x, y and z, I'm going to have a guilt-free 2 hours watching a movie I want to see)

BunniesBunniesBunnies · 18/02/2021 12:49

I used to be a bit the same, but not anymore. I still really enjoy good food but don’t see it as a treat or reward. Instead I might buy myself something (small) new, like nice make up or a top or an audio book. Nice herbal teas too! Or I have a long bath and go to bed early under clean sheets. Spending time alone exercising is a big treat for me too but I appreciate not everyone is like that😂

KeyboardWorriers · 18/02/2021 12:49

Bubble bath
Face mask
Painting my nails
Buying a new book or bit of jewellery
A nap with a space mask

Original poster
GoGoNoGo · 18/02/2021 12:49

oh yes can totally get the wine thing!

you see a nice bath would not only cost me nothing but also not make me put on weight Grin - I need to start yearning after non expensive, non weight gaining things!

OP posts:
BunniesBunniesBunnies · 18/02/2021 12:50

@sadpapercourtesan YES to giving yourself the gift of TIME! I guess that’s what I meant by exercising, it’s me time!

Lip balm is great too!

Ifailed · 18/02/2021 12:50

I'm an adult, I don't need to reward myself with treats.

KeyboardWorriers · 18/02/2021 12:51

Or a spritz of my favourite perfume always lifts me too

pepsicolagirl · 18/02/2021 12:51

Yup same as you OP. I have to remind myself I am not a dog and therefore should not be rewarding myself with biscuits Grin

I reward myself with other things now. Before lockdown it could be a (solo) trip to the cinema, or a haircut, a massage, a nice lippy, a book or even just an early night and an audio book to listen to.

pepsicolagirl · 18/02/2021 12:52

@Ifailed

I'm an adult, I don't need to reward myself with treats.
There's always one... Hmm
Original poster
GoGoNoGo · 18/02/2021 12:53

I wish I could enjoy exercising! I see they say it creates endorphins for most people but I seemed to have missed out on those!

OP posts:
ClaudiaWankleman · 18/02/2021 12:53

Alcohol. I remember having a couple of double G&Ts the night before A level results as a way to relax.

I don't consider myself to have an alcohol problem - I did dry January this year without any issues and didn't really miss it as I replaced it with some diet frozen yoghurt thing I discovered. I do recognise it is unhealthy though!

crumptrump · 18/02/2021 12:58

Wine. Yes, empty calories and no, not particularly healthy but its the only thing that would replace chocolate as a real 'reward'. I'd much rather save my calories for a nice glass of wine in the evening. Preggers at the moment and can't stop eating everything in sight as no wine available!

sadpapercourtesan · 18/02/2021 13:01

@Ifailed

I'm an adult, I don't need to reward myself with treats.
Ah, but you do. You treat yourself by bitchplopping on perfectly benign threads and making strangers feel crap. Go you Grin
TeaAddict235 · 18/02/2021 13:38

I buy nice scented shampoos and conditioners, even if they have a bad reputation and I like them, I buy them. I want for my hair to smell nice especially when I cuddle my DC and DH. Smile

unmarkedbythat · 18/02/2021 13:40

Baths, hot, hot baths that leave you dizzy

Books

Lie ins

Laughing at silly little people who get their kicks from posts like Ifailed's

TeaAddict235 · 18/02/2021 13:41

@crumptrump

Wine. Yes, empty calories and no, not particularly healthy but its the only thing that would replace chocolate as a real 'reward'. I'd much rather save my calories for a nice glass of wine in the evening. Preggers at the moment and can't stop eating everything in sight as no wine available!
Oh man yes, being pregnant and craving wine! I remember that! I was convinced everyone around me was drinking more than normal too just to wind me up. My 'push present' was a bottle of Gewürztraminer to myself Grin
Meruem · 18/02/2021 13:41

I was relying way too much on red wine as a treat. Problem was I wouldn’t stop at one glass and could easily manage the bottle over an evening. Didn’t want to stop the alcohol completely so now have a shot or amaretto or similar, topped up with lots of ice and a full can of lemonade. Still feels like a treat but only 1 unit instead of the 12 my wine contains! I can stick to just one of those as it lasts me a couple of hours.

I love reading so an hour or two with a good book is always a pleasure. If I find a series on Netflix that I really enjoy, I won’t binge watch it. I space it out so then I look forward to the nights I do watch it. I also like various crafts so new craft stuff is a treat.

Thatwentbadly · 18/02/2021 13:56

@GoGoNoGo

I wish I could enjoy exercising! I see they say it creates endorphins for most people but I seemed to have missed out on those!
Have you tried exercising and watching TV together? I prop a workout video from YouTube up in front the TV and follow that while watching a film.
sadpapercourtesan · 18/02/2021 14:51

I find I have to be at a certain level of fitness already to get any kind of pleasure from exercising. Last year I could go for a run and come back feeling energised and euphoric. Now I'm back to the unrewarding huffing and puffing through long walks to try and get rid of the Christmas/lockdown bloat. Hoping I'll be there again by summer.

kennypppppppp · 18/02/2021 15:05

I LOVE the expression 'butch plopping'!!!! I am going to reward myself by using that as much as possible.
Failing that. Seeing as I usually only talk to myself, I reward myself with arrow words and fags. Empty calories. Ting ting.

kennypppppppp · 18/02/2021 15:06

Evveen though auto correct should have said bitch and not butch

fellrunner85 · 18/02/2021 15:08

A run.
Or a cold bottle of alcohol-free lager.