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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have a Harvester sundae when on a diet?

59 replies

CurlyRover · 23/04/2018 16:10

Sort of a AIBU and also a WWYD.

I absolutely adore Harvester sundaes. Back in the day I used to eat one every time I went there. I haven't been to Harvester in about a year. I'm going this evening with DP and I don't know whether to have one or not.

I'm supposed to be dieting in preparation for our summer holiday in August. I've been doing really well and losing weight steadily and rarely eating unhealthy foods other than in proportion.

I really want a sundae but I feel so guilty about it. I also wonder if it's even worth the calories?

WIBU to have one? WWYD?

OP posts:
Whatshallidonowpeople · 23/04/2018 16:11

No food is unhealthy if you eat it as part of a balanced diet. However yabu because harvester is rank.

WowserBowser · 23/04/2018 16:12

I certainly would. Enjoy!

OreoMini · 23/04/2018 16:12

Depends, can can you eat a little less in the run up to account for the calories ?

19lottie82 · 23/04/2018 16:12

Jesus, if I was going to break my diet I could think of a million things better than harvester........ it’s blooming rank!

itallhappensforareason · 23/04/2018 16:13

Don't be afraid to treat yourself - I think it's important to have occasional treats :) if you think the guilt would outweigh the satisfaction then don't, but I personally would Grin

TroubledLichen · 23/04/2018 16:14

Why don’t you share it with your DP? That way you get the treat but only half the calories!

notacooldad · 23/04/2018 16:14

Seriously?
As long as you are not having one every meal you should be ok!

TwatWaffle · 23/04/2018 16:14

Go for it, but eat fewer calories over next few days to compensate?

StormyLovesOdd · 23/04/2018 16:14

I'm dieting too, if it was me I'd share one with DP so I still have a taste but without the full calorie whack

gwenneh · 23/04/2018 16:16

Have the sundae, one bite at a time, slowly. Stop when you're sated and focus on the feeling.

You'll either find that it's blissful, you may not even finish it, or you may discover that what you liked is a certain "mouthfeel" and not the taste at all.

Either way, have it, enjoy it while you do, and let it go -- one sundae in a YEAR isn't going to halt progress.

Lethaldrizzle · 23/04/2018 16:17

Go for a run before you go out

Trialsmum · 23/04/2018 16:18

Do it as a one off, but make sure you’re back on it tomorrow morning!

NetVolume · 23/04/2018 16:19

It depends op , on how you feel when you have a big treat whilst dieting. Do you beat yourself up about it or do you just jump back on the wagon with no bad feelings?

Excited101 · 23/04/2018 16:20

It’s important not to restrict yourself too much. If I ‘diet’ is going to be sustainable you need to have a good balance within your lifestyle. A bigger calorie ‘treat’ every so often is important if it’s important to you.

newmumwithquestions · 23/04/2018 16:22

Personally I wouldn’t because I have no self control. I can’t do ‘just one treat’. Yes I get that it’s better to be mixed about these things but my brain doesn’t work that way.

If you genuinely can have just one treat and not crave more then do it.

Groovee · 23/04/2018 16:23

It's one thing I always say I'll have but I never do. And I love harvesters ice cream. I usually get a sundae best with no sauce.

DerelictWreck · 23/04/2018 16:24

Honestly? I wouldn't. You've been doing so well it would be shame to break it and this could be slippery slope to other treats and then suddenly you're off the wagon.

Original poster
CurlyRover · 23/04/2018 16:25

Previously I would have said if I'd had the sundae I'd then fall off the wagon and eat unhealthily.

But this time I seem more determined and I've had the occasional treat but nothing as calorific as a Harvester sundae.

OP posts:
StarShapedWindow · 23/04/2018 16:25

You could get run over by a bus tomorrow - eat the Sunday!

Whatshallidonowpeople · 23/04/2018 16:27

Food cannot be a treat. This is why so many people are overweight.

Original poster
CurlyRover · 23/04/2018 16:32

Whatshallidonow okay so what would you do?

OP posts:
cunningartificer · 23/04/2018 16:36

Of course food can be a treat. So can a long walk or a cold drink of water. We are made so that the things that are good for us (including sex) are enjoyable. I’d be more concerned if food were seen as ‘bad’. It strikes me that seeing a high-calorie item as a ‘treat’ (ie not something for everyday) is a perfectly sensible way of moderating your intake.

BarbaraofSevillle · 23/04/2018 16:47

Have a light main like grilled salmon and salad or similar and then the sundae. Probably about the same amount of calories as steak and chips with all the trimmings, or lasagne and garlic bread.

As a one off, it won't make any difference at all. Even if it's an extra 1000 calories, that translates into about a third of a pound of weight loss.

Original poster
CurlyRover · 23/04/2018 16:54

I was thinking of having one of their feel good bowls as the main which is about 500 calories.

I think you're right Barbara in that a light main plus the sundae would probably be about the equivalent of a big main. I'm hoping DP goes for the sweet potato fries so I can steal one Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
CurlyRover · 23/04/2018 16:56

Thanks cunning that's the approach I'm trying to take. Doesn't always work but the overall trend is a loss so it seems to be working okay

DP has encouraged me to get out walking more which is helping. I'm disabled so can't do any high intensity activity but walking seems to knock down the weight more.

OP posts: