Here’s your cake. Oh, and eat it too!

Cake. The dreaded piece of birthday cake. It really could be anyone’s birthday but it’s the anticipation of the cake that is on the mind throughout the entire day and possibly, the each day of the week as the taste buds begin to salivate at the very thought of it. Thoughts of having the smallest piece or just one bite will fill your head but at the very end of the experience all you see is an empty plate. It is at this point that the feelings of dread and rambling comments continue on and on as to exclaim to your friends and family “I shouldn’t have eaten that…” Only you’ve forgotten the fact that this only draws more attention to your uncomfortable feelings relating to food.

Yes, it’s true. You have just psyched yourself out over a piece of cake! Wouldn’t it be easier to live life discussing how absolutely delicious every bite of the cake tasted and that despite the fact that you are completely full you would really like to dive right into another giant piece? I think we all wish this could be true and I’m pretty certain that it can be as long as some attitude changes occur along the way as well.

Think of the possibilities here – they are endless! To admit that you actually enjoyed eating your food and not having to feel ashamed or embarrassed of doing it - wow, what a revelation! And, a great one at that, as it helps substantiate the point that our feelings toward food relate to our patterns towards food. I’d like to venture out on a limb (preferably one that is nicely toned) to say that if someone feels better about their food choices and attitudes towards these choices then they will feel better about themselves. At which point – this massive self-esteem boost may drive them to make better choices in the end as they start to value and understand the foods being eaten and how they affect not only their bodies but their minds. It’s a feeling of euphoria and one that is not caused by a sugar rush from all that cake you just ate.

So, here’s your cake. Oh, and eat it too!