I used to have a love/hate relationship with chocolate. You probably know what I’m talking about. I absolutely loved the taste, and the way it melted so decadently in my mouth. I loved it so much I could eat it nonstop.
That was a problem. So I purposely didn’t buy it very often. I didn’t keep it in the house. I just couldn’t trust myself around it. It called my name. “Ooo Jessica! Eat me! Eat me!” So I started to hate chocolate. Stop calling me, I’m not hungry! I don’t need sweets right now!
When eating chocolate I would pre-decide how much I was going to eat. After eating my limit, I wouldn’t feel satisfied. I’d be angry at myself for the stupid restriction I put on myself. So I’d rebel against my better judgment and eat to my heart’s content.
I loved eating chocolate but I hated myself for not having any self-control.
So, I decided I needed a chocolate detox.
I bought $80 worth of chocolate and placed it all on my kitchen counter beside my laptop where I work all day long.
I’m not kidding. I had to change my toxic attitude towards chocolate.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying chocolate. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying any food in moderation. But my attitude was preventing me from truly enjoying it.
When people are restrictd, they tend to want the restricted item more than anything else in the world. It’s just human nature. So I needed to stop restricting and limiting my chocolate intake. It’s a paradoxical idea, but keep reading to find out how it works.
How My Detox Went
Day 1: I was like a kid in a candy store. Chocolate! Yum! Yum! I ate a little bit more than I would have liked but I felt very satisfied.
Day 2: Much like the first.
Day 3: I had a little bit here and there throughout the day but the allure of eating chocolate all day was wearing off.
Day 4: I only had a little bit in the evening.
Day 5: I decided to put it away. I had my fill and knew that I could go to the cupboard at anytime to have some more, if I wanted.
Ahhhh, chocolate detox = success!
The New Me
Now I’m able to relax and truly enjoy my chocolate. I can take a small piece and savour it, knowing that I can have more whenever I’d like.
I’m no longer afraid of myself and the possibility of losing control when I’m around chocolate.
I’m still mindful of going places where chocolate will be presented but I no longer need to psych myself up to keep myself to a limit. I can go, enjoy the chocolate but know when to stop eating.
I found trust with myself, and forged a peaceful relationship with chocolate.
Oddly enough, now that I don’t limit myself, I’m actually eating less chocolate than before. I’ve become a bit of a chocolate snob… I’ve lost any interest in that inferior chocolate laced with wax and sugar. Just give me the high quality stuff.
If you want to develop a peaceful relationship with food, join me on my 12 week program called “I Quit Overeating!” I will guide you through the process of changing your attitudes towards food, your everyday habits, and your environments that are causing you to overeat. People are calling this a “powerful, life changing program!” A new session starts soon!
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Nita Sharda says
Thanks for sharing this Jessica. I keep a bar of Lindtt chocolate in the fridge. Some weeks I want to eat a square daily, other days I forget about it!
Jessica Penner says
Only one square a day? You’re good at portion control 🙂
Holley Grainger says
Okay, I’ve got to try this. I love that you bought $80 in chocolate–YUM! I’m OBSESSED–chocolate everything at all times of the day. Great post!
Jessica Penner says
The $80 was probably a little excessive…. but at least I have a good supply at home now!
Kay says
Linked to your article from dietitian’s blog on FB.
Jessica Penner says
Thanks!