Reintroduction (or... Everyday Is A Party!)

[Sallie Shuford]

I enjoyed my first Whole30. I called myself trying to do the Slow Roll reintroduction, but I have found that I can find opportunities for "treats" and "rewards" almost everywhere. How do healthy eaters, and by healthy I mean both with food choices and healthy psyches too, create an atmosphere of healthful eating with room for occasional indulgence? What IS occasional? What IS an opportunity for reward? How often should I allow myself treats? I'm jumping back on plan for a few days to try and straighten up. 

[GFChris]

This is such an individual question. You ultimately need to decide what's worth it to you, and in what frequency. In general, you want to be in a place where you're the master of your choices vs the treats having mastery over you.

For me, there are certain treats I can't keep in the house: corn chips and chocolate are my kryptonite. I have wine significantly less since Whole30ing (average once a week, if that), and I pretty much eat Whole30 style at home. While dining out or at someone's home, if a legume, non-gluten grain or dairy item is unique and special, I might have some. I never have gluten since being diagnosed gluten-sensitive 9 years ago: never worth it.

Regarding rewarding yourself with food, I would suggest changing your mindset around that, and explore non-food ways to reward yourself. Possibilities include a fashion accessory, massage/manicure/pedicure, housewares, exercise equipment, body/hair care products, an outing experience (museum, movies, art exhibit, day trip) etc.