Why do us women feel so guilty when we allow ourselves a small treat?  (Okay, maybe all of you don’t but I sure do). 

Case in point: last night my husband and I attended my work Christmas party.  Dessert was delicious looking chocolate cake.  After the plate was passed around our table and I had declined it even though I really wanted it, the person holding the plate asked who had not taken their piece (he was a guy of course).  I told him I had not and that I really did not need the cake, which was true.  I did not need the cake but I really wanted it. 

He said encouraged me to take it and said “everyone should be able to have a piece of cake.”  I let myself get talked into it because:

A – I really really wanted that cake!

B – He was my boss and my mind is predisposed to do what he tells me to

C – I had enough room in my “calorie budget” to eat the cake

D – I really really wanted the the cake!

I ate half of it.  It was delicious and I really enjoyed it but after pushing away the rest of it because I was full and was satisfied with the amount I had I immediately started to feel guilty and started wondering if I could get myself to be sick so that I could get rid of the cake that was now making me horrible and shameful and like I will never be able to lose my extra weight and be able to shop in the normal size section of the clothing store. 

My inner thoughts slipped out as a huge sigh.  The lady sitting across from me heard it and said “Yeah, I wish I wouldn’t have eaten the cake either.  It was like she knew exactly what I thinking!  The other ladies at the table nodded in agreement.  I realized we all were feeling guilty for indulging in cake. 

But were any of the guys?  No!  They were talking about how good it was. 

I later asked my husband when we got home if he felt guilty for eating the cake because he is trying to lose weight too (and btw he ate the whole piece and it was the biggest piece on the plate!).  He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Of course not!  Why would I feel guilty for eating cake.  It was delicious.” 

He did the right thing.  He enjoyed his treat and moved on.  I had a hard time falling asleep because my mind was so riddled with guilt. 

And, freakily, I woke up at 2:13 am feeling sick to my stomach and did throw up.  Did my sub-conscious mind make me do that?

Related posts:

1. Trying To Avoid Cake
2. The Best Diet For Women – Tales Of A Chronic Dieter
3. Tootsie Rolls – My Favorite Diet Friendly Treat