LiSwati
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 52
- Location
- Eswatini
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Negativity
Hi everyone. I have been thinking a lot lately about the psychological tightrope we walk when it comes to "treating" ourselves. Recent discussions on our forum reignited these deep thoughts.
We’ve all heard the advice (and maybe even told ourselves) that it is perfectly fine to have a treat now and then. We are human, after all, and rigid restriction rarely works long-term. But I want to share a perspective that completely shifted how I view these moments, and I am curious if it resonates with you.
Of late, I have realised that a treat is rarely just a treat. It's actually a fascinating, frustrating behavioural paradox, which can be labeled as - The Diabetes Treat Paradox.
Consider this common logic we use:
When we look at it that way, it sounds crazy, doesn't it? But psychologically, it makes total sense. Our brains have two systems: the emotional one that wants instant comfort right now, and the logical one that wants long-term health.
From my own experience, the true danger of this paradox isn't just the single treat itself, it's how it tricks the brain. Because we frame it as a "reward" or a "break" from our rules, it creates a loophole. One treat can turns into a cheat day, which can turn into a weekend, by which point we have completely slipped away from our goals, left feeling guilty and defeated.
We’ve all heard the advice (and maybe even told ourselves) that it is perfectly fine to have a treat now and then. We are human, after all, and rigid restriction rarely works long-term. But I want to share a perspective that completely shifted how I view these moments, and I am curious if it resonates with you.
Of late, I have realised that a treat is rarely just a treat. It's actually a fascinating, frustrating behavioural paradox, which can be labeled as - The Diabetes Treat Paradox.
Consider this common logic we use:
- The Definition: A treat is supposed to be an act of kindness, comfort, or self-care. It’s a reward for working hard or doing well.
- The Reality: The actual item (usually high-carb or high-sugar) causes blood sugar spikes, lethargy, or long-term damage.
- The Paradox: We are using an act of self-harm to show ourselves kindness.
When we look at it that way, it sounds crazy, doesn't it? But psychologically, it makes total sense. Our brains have two systems: the emotional one that wants instant comfort right now, and the logical one that wants long-term health.
From my own experience, the true danger of this paradox isn't just the single treat itself, it's how it tricks the brain. Because we frame it as a "reward" or a "break" from our rules, it creates a loophole. One treat can turns into a cheat day, which can turn into a weekend, by which point we have completely slipped away from our goals, left feeling guilty and defeated.
- How do you experience this paradox? Does a "small treat" tend to stay small for you, or does it trigger a derailment from your goal?
- How do we break the loop? Have you found ways to reward yourself that don't involve foods that work against your numbers or achieving your goal?
