Is a treat just a treat or a dreaded paradox?

[LiSwati]

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:

1. 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.
2. The Reality: The actual item (usually high-carb or high-sugar) causes blood sugar spikes, lethargy, or long-term damage.
3. 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?

 

[EllieM]

I'm T1 and not T2 so maybe I shouldn't comment, but if by a treat you mean a delicious something, why does it have to be high carb?

I can treat myself with low carb yummies (eg a delicious salad or cheese), keto sweet stuff (eg yoghurt , frozen berries and artificial sweetener (you don't need much) or even a glass of nice wine.

I think focussing the concept of a treat as "high carb" is unproductive.

 

[lessci]

I'm T1 and not T2 so maybe I shouldn't comment, but if by a treat you mean a delicious something, why does it have to be high carb?

I can treat myself with low carb yummies (eg a delicious salad or cheese), keto sweet stuff (eg yoghurt , frozen berries and artificial sweetener (you don't need much) or even a glass of nice wine.

I think focussing the concept of a treat as "high carb" is unproductive.

My food "treats" as a T2 include - Pork Scratchings, some good cheese, home made lower carb Ice Cream, high coco content dark chocolate

 

[Mrs Redboots]

Dark chocolate with nuts is very good! Lidl do a super one. Cheese is also great, but I have to be careful with it as I have high cholesterol. Also nuts. And if you can keep your food treats to occasional, then "anything goes"!

 

[MrsA2]

• 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?

I find it helps me to remember that "treat" is a word heavily used by food marketing, who have spent years and billions finding exactly where to hit our emotional and comfort buttons, for their own profits. They have zero interest in our health.
And this conditioning by them has been around all our lives.
Now if I see, or think, the word "treat" I mentally stop and think who is this good for? It's become a red flag for me.

For example today I was going to visit a neighbour and didn't want to go empty handed. All the traditional gifts are carby sweet things so I took a puzzle book and some flowers from the garden.

It's taken me 5 or so years to get this far, having cycled through the "why are there no "healthy treats " and the "why are they not banned from sale" and the "it's not fair " phases.

Try asking yourself why you feel the need for a "treat". Is it a reward, a comfort, a way of muffling feelings, social pressure etc etc. The list seems endless. Try to identify why and it may lead you to a non food treat, for example feeling lonely - call a friend, Social pressure, practice saying no calmly yet assertively and then feel pleased for doing that, a mental pat on the back.
Often a few minutes deep breathing may change the mood or craving.

For me now foodwise a square or 2 of very dark chocolate may suffice, or a glass of whisky even then I find them creeping into daily...I'm no saint!

And all the above applies equally to the word "snack", a modern invention by food manufacturers to sell more, and for more profit. Just start to notice how often its used these days. Its even worse, Imho, than treat. At least treats are occasional but snacks are promoted as being OK several times a day!!!