Guilty Pleasures
Many of us start the new year with resolutions to change our eating habits and eliminate some of our favorite, but not so healthy, foods from our plates. According to U.S. News & World Report, the failure rate for New Year’s resolutions is said to be about 80 percent, and most lose their resolve by mid-February.
There are several reasons why resolutions don’t work, including being to vague or setting expectations too high. Whatever the reason, most experts agree we should try a new approach when it comes to resolutions (like, stop calling them resolutions) regardless of our goals.
When it comes to eating healthier, we sometimes contact an expert, like a clinical dietitian, to give us strategies for healthier eating. One thing is for certain, they always advise to the old adage, “all things in moderation.”
So, we asked them about the foods that tempt their palates and willpower and got sage advice for handling those cravings.
Kendra Korner, RDN, LD
Favorite
“Mozzarella sticks are my favorite because they are the perfect shareable food. The cheese is delicious and of course, you can’t go wrong with fried foods. I try to keep them as a special treat maybe four times a year.”
Advice
“Don’t focus on the foods you can’t eat but instead what you can eat.”
Mikaela Groff, RDN, LD
Favorite
“I love tenderloins because I like fried foods, and you get a lot of bang for your buck with the tenderloin. I’ve never encountered one that I didn’t like. I usually order one every six to eight weeks.”
Advice
“Allow yourself indulgences, and don’t feel guilty if you eat something that isn’t the healthiest choice.”
Sydney Juergens, RDN, LD
Favorite
“Chocolate chip cookies remind me of my childhood and baking with my mom. There is nothing better than a cookie right out of the oven that’s warm with melting chocolate chips. They are my go-to dessert.”
Advice
“I tell patients that I am human, and I crave certain foods. You can fulfill that craving in moderation.”
Rachel Fossey, RDN, LD
Favorite
“Ice cream is my favorite dessert, especially a Dairy Queen Blizzard with chocolate ice cream and peanut butter cups. There’s a great ratio with each bite. I love chocolate and peanut butter, so it’s the best of both worlds. I will order one once or twice a month in the winter and summer months.”
Advice
“Food is a focal point in life that we all enjoy. Sweet treats can fit in, but make sure you stay on track and don’t overindulge.”
Jackie Roth, RDN, LD
Favorite
“I love gummy worms, bears, trolls, octopuses. I don’t discriminate against the type of gummy candy. I occasionally have a cavity, and my dentist is flabbergasted because he knows I am a dietitian, and he doesn’t think I eat sugar. He thinks I have bad genes.”
Advice
“If I cut out gummy worms I would miss them and then I would binge eat them, so I eat a few here and there in moderation.”
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