The Health Benefits You're Willing to Ignore
Hey there, fellow wellness enthusiasts! Have you ever found yourself torn between having that little indulgence and making that health-conscious choice instead? It's a dilemma many of us face, where our taste buds crave certain guilty pleasures while our minds remind us of the benefits of healthier alternatives. Today, let's chat about those guilty pleasures - those little treats we're not willing to let go of, even though we know they're not good for us and regret follows shortly after.
We all have that one weakness that we hold onto, despite knowing it might not be the best for us. It could be that decadent slice of chocolate cake that whispers your name during stressful days, the crispy golden fries that comfort you after a long week, or maybe that glass of fine wine that helps you unwind after a hectic day. These indulgences serve as a momentary escape, a small piece of happiness in a busy world. But, have you ever stopped to think about the health benefits you might be ignoring by indulging in these vices?
Let's take a closer look at some common guilty pleasures we crave the most and the health perks we use to justify it:
1. Chocolate:
Who can resist the allure of chocolate, with its rich, velvety texture and decadent taste? 70% dark chocolate is my downfall, which we know boasts antioxidant properties and potential heart health benefits. Turns out we should be enjoying our chocolate and the healthy side effects!
Can I get a "Woohoo!"?! Right on, my friends!
Johns Hopkins Medicine in The Benefits of Having a Healthy Relationship with Chocolate says that we should stop feeling guilty about having chocolate, because those who celebrate their favorite chocolate treat instead of guilt and shame are:
more likely to maintain their weight over the short- and long-term
more hopeful and self-controlled
healthier eating behaviors
greater satisfaction with their body image
higher quality of life
2. Fried Foods:
Whether it's crispy fried chicken, crunchy fries, or mouth-watering donuts, fried foods are a weakness for many. Despite being aware of the negative impact on cardiovascular health and weight management, the satisfaction derived from that perfect crunch often wins over those health concerns. Stephanie Kay, a holistic nutritionist, indicates that we may be craving fried foods because we're deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats. Instead of chips or french fries, lean towards a handful of nuts or seeds, cut up an avocado, or cook up some salmon. Cravings are also due to stress and lack of sleep, so practice stress-reducing activities and get plenty of sleep.
3. Alcohol:
From fine wines to exotic cocktails, alcohol is a popular indulgence for social gatherings and relaxation. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, the risks of addiction, liver damage, and other health issues often take a back seat when we raise our glasses in celebration. This doesn't even take into account the empty calories and high sugar content of mixed drinks, which can easily lead to weight gain, leading to frustration and disappointment.
It also leads to higher depression and anxiety, usually the exact thing you're trying to alleviate. “If you rely on alcohol for happiness and pleasure, even numbing the stress, then that can actually cause significant problems down the road,” Denise Graham, a counselor at the Cleveland Clinic's Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center notes. “You’re not learning how to cope with things as they are right now. You’re not learning to cope in healthy ways.” Alcohol use can actually increase fatigue, as well, since it interferes with quality sleep. So, there may be other things that you find pleasurable, like going for a walk or talking to a friend on the phone, that may be better ways to cope.
4. Sugary Treats:
Candies, pastries, ice creams...the list of sugary temptations is endless. The immediate pleasure derived from these sweet treats overshadows the long-term consequences on our overall health, such as increased risks of diabetes, obesity, and dental problems.
Today is the final day of my 40 Day Sugar-Fast. I wasn't 100%, and I'd be lying if I said I don't miss the sweet things in life. There were 1 or 2 times I legit had a bite completely oblivious to the Sugar-Fast. Other times, I said, "It's okay. It's just a few bites." I didn't go berserk and gobble anything up so fast I didn't know it happened. I felt in control and stopped when I had enough.
So, that whole healthy relationship with food thing.... how do we get there? First, you can't make it off limits. As soon as you do that, you crave it even more. Have you ever noticed that? And, if sugar has a tight grip on you, it may be necessary to ask God for help. There are some things we just can't do alone in our own strength. Thankfully, He's gracious and willing to be strong where we are weak. I think that sounds like a healthy relationship, don't you?
5. Fast Food:
The convenience and instant gratification of grabbing a quick burger or pizza, or even a bag of chips and a can of soda at the gas station, are undeniable. Despite being fully aware of the high levels of saturated fats, sodium, and calories in fast food, the convenience factor often trumps the health considerations.
These highly processed foods cause a myriad of symptoms we often experience before we even get out the door (if you are actually eating in and not eating it in your car). Think bloating, digestive problems, energy crash, or going from hangry to just a bad mood. If you're using fast food as your guilty pleasure, keeping it occasional is a good plan, otherwise, it may be worth finding healthier options.
6. Social Media:
It is so easy to get caught up in social media.... and the reason is.... dopamine addiction, as it is with many things on this list. When we experience pleasure, the reward center in the brain releases a rush of dopamine, the "feel-good chemical". When that chemical is released, that reward is reinforced by the brain, making it seem like something that is pleasurable. That is why we continue to do it even though we may have guilt and disappointment associated with it later - you know, like when we waste an hour scrolling through our social media app of choice without even realizing it.
Although there are some positives from social media, like connecting with a group of friends from elementary school, social media has more downsides than up. We may suffer from comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out), which lead to increased anxiety and depression, as well as loneliness. And, still, hearing that social media has negative effects doesn't stop us from scrolling every day. It's not until we stop and notice the changes that we realize the stronghold it has on us. Some people are deleting the apps and reloading it every time they want to use it. Others giving them up all together. I personally haven't gone that far... yet. I've found putting them on the 4th page of apps (which is also a sad fact) has decreased my mindless scrolling to about once a week. No judgement here if you're on there more often. I find plenty of other things to waste my time!
In a world where kale smoothies compete with cheeseburgers and green tea battles it out with coffee, striking a balance between indulgence and wellness is key. It's essential to enjoy your guilty pleasures in moderation while ensuring that healthier choices make it to your plate or activity regimen too. After all, life is all about savoring the little moments of joy, even if they come in the form of a sinful delight.
So, dear readers, what's your guilty pleasure? What are you unwilling to give up, despite the potential health concerns you might be ignoring? Share your thoughts and stories in my FB group (I know, ironic!) and let's navigate this journey together!
Remember, a little indulgence here and there is not a sin; it's a celebration of life's diverse flavors and experiences. Embrace your vices, but don't forget to cherish your well-being too. After all, a happy mind and body make every guilty pleasure even sweeter!
In Courage,
Dani
P.S. I almost forgot to include the Application for you to request a chat with me! Let's get something scheduled!
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. Here’s How Fast Food Can Affect Your Body, January 28, 2021.
Cleveland Clinic. Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Alcohol During Times of Stress, April 16, 2020.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Benefits of Having a Healthy Relationship with Chocolate.
McLean Hospital. The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health, March 24, 2024.
Picincu, Andra. HealthDigest. The Real Reason You're Craving Fried Food, August 16, 2022.
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