The Rice Krispie Treat Diet

There are some things that are just too good to pass up.  Like Rice Krispie Treats.  They seem never to go out of style.  Even Starbuck’s sells them.  Just last night, I made a batch from scratch. A 13 x 9- inch pan of them. Nothing but Rice Krispies, melted butter and marshmallows mixed together—all sweet and gooey. While they were still warm, I had a small square, just to taste, and shared a few other small bites with my son and grandson.  Oh, so delicious! Unfortunately, they were a little too good to stop at just one small square.  We didn’t eat the entire pan, but we put a good dent into it.  It got me thinking.  

Why is it that some things are just so tasty that we can’t pass them up?  Why do we find a way to justify having just a little more of something even when it is not particularly good for us, even when we know we will probably regret over-indulging in it, even when we tell ourselves we will be moderate in our consumption? All of our willpower just doesn’t seem to be enough to motivate us to restrain our desire for the delectable morsel we are salivating over.

It seems that the problem is centered around focus. When something appeals to our palate, we become overly focused on it.  We become engaged too fully with the sensation of the taste rather than the taste itself.  We can actually find ourselves thinking about the next helping we are going to have even before we have finished the one we are currently eating. Such exaggerated focus leaves us a captive of the food we are ingesting. We become weak in our ability to refrain from overeating.  The hand of heaven has given us an endless array of delicious things to eat, but we actually never truly savor them because our focus is misplaced.  

This morning, while I was preparing my cup of tea,  I studied the remaining Rice Krispie Treats left over from last night's snacking.  I placed a small square on a plate for myself.  I then wrapped up the rest of the squares in foil to give to others in my family.  When I sat with the cup of tea and my one square, I savored its flavor.  I tasted the square.  I gave thanks for the square.  And, I had no guilt whatsoever about eating that soft, sweet treat.  I just enjoyed it fully.  One small piece for me was actually better tasting than the third of a pan I'd eaten before.  

Portion control is an important element of dieting, but portion control can feel like simply another rule that we are required to follow—or are willing to break.  Instead of portion control, why not  enjoy a small bite of the foods that entice you, and give the rest away?  You might lose weight and find your soul filled with grace.