[lin43]

Originally Posted by berryblondeboys

I'm a gourmet cook and I cannot imagine thinking of food as just for nourishment. It's not. It's part of culture and always has been. Our lives revolve around food and I'm OK with that

I feel the same way. Staying fit, healthy, and looking good are important to me, but so is food. I've already accepted that I love food more than many people I know. I'm through fighting against that.

To the OP, I say go for it! I'm somewhat of a foodie. About once every 2-3 months, I make a special trip (an hour out of my way) to shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (I wish I had at least one of those stores in my area!!). To me, it's an event and a treat.

[jeminijad]

I didn't even have to think about this one. Of course you should have real, 'gourmet' food! I strongly belive that a good chunk of our disordered eating in the US is that we don't eat high quality food as a matter of routine. You can shovel in a whole lot of bland crap before you are satiated- not so with incredibly fine things

[Arctic Mama]

Originally Posted by JoJoP

I'm also considering getting a lovely spice blend from Penzeys. It's a bit pricey but AMAZINGLY good (and not something I could mix at home), salt-free, and turns even microwaved mixed veggies (a common snack for me) into a real experiance.

I think any non-caloric gourmet treat that can't really be binged on and makes a diet/eating plan more enjoyable is probably worth the money.

I do like keeping a few foods as "treats" as long as I can control myself around them. Right now my main "treat" is pistachios (a treat because they're expensive!). I have at *most* 10 nuts per day (when I'm a little hungry and need some protein) and they help keep me from feeling deprived.

Before I changed my diet, my "treats" were very unhealthy and caloric. I love the fact that a treat can be delicious, healthy AND enjoyed in moderation!

Now I'm curious and need to do a Penzey's order, anyway. Which blend is this that you speak of?

[JoJoP]

Originally Posted by Arctic Mama

Now I'm curious and need to do a Penzey's order, anyway. Which blend is this that you speak of?

The Sunny Paris blend It's quite pricey but absolutely, amazingly lovely *_*