BRIGHT, SHINY OBJECTS

Have you visited a Farmer’s Market lately?   

I’m not sure which I love more – the brilliant array of colors among the fresh produce, or the tempting selection from which to choose?

I often come home with more food than I know what to do with, even when I set off with something specific in mind. The thing is, everything looks so good that I fall prey to ‘Bright, Shiny Object’ syndrome.

Perhaps you’ve heard of this affliction.

It’s when you suddenly lose sight of the project at hand, your goals, or – in this case – your shopping list, and are suddenly captured by a thought or object that seems infinitely better.

That’s the Bright, Shiny Object calling to you.

This is why I might return from the Farmer’s Market with more food than I, or my family, can eat.

It is also why some of us might be tempted from time to time, to stray from our special diets. Cause let’s face it – temptation is everywhere!

I’m one of the fortunate few who can walk by a bakery without so much as a glance at the delicious array of goodies lining the cases. That said, I understand that for most of us, this can feel like pure torture.

Bright Shiny Objects everywhere – most of them laden with chocolate and gooey frosting.

How do you deal with these temptations?

Here are two of my favorite suggestions.

 

Don’t Deprive Yourself

No, I’m not giving you permission to go ahead and buy the gluten-containing donuts that are calling your name.

What I am suggesting, is that you plan ahead, and either:

a)   Have a selection of gluten-free cookies in your kitchen cupboard at all times, either store bought or home-made

b)   If that’s too tempting, give yourself permission to buy some decadent chocolate, or gluten–free goodies when temptation strikes.

A word of warning – mediocre options usually don’t do the trick. You’ll only want more.

When you give yourself permission to splurge – then make sure you are splurging in every sense of the word. Research your neighborhood for a good gluten-free bakery or a well-stocked Health Food store that is likely to have what you want.

Another option is to buy a great gluten-free cookbook that focuses on baked goods – and create your own custom-made treats.

Make it a moment that really counts.

 

Re-Train Your Sweet Tooth

This is definitely easier said than done, I know.

So many of us have a sweet tooth or call ourselves chocoholics. Chances are, we even proudly tell our friends and families that this is so.

The truth is, your sweet tooth can be re-trained.

This can be challenging regardless of your diet, yet store-bought baked breads and cookies often contain empty calories and little nutrition. In gluten-free baking, this is further complicated by the presence of starches – such as potato starch or tapioca – that are considered an essential ingredient for gluten-free baked goods to turn out light and fluffy.

It might help to remind yourself that special treats are just that – reserved for special occasions and the occasional splurge. The amazing result, once you decide to cut back on sugar, is that you will eventually find you are less drawn to anything sweet.

The day you turn down a tempting dessert is the day you will know you’ve come a long way.