For the record, I love Halloween and fully appreciate the creation of Special Dark Nuggets and Take 5 candy bars.  I also believe in never settling for sub-par joy food.  If you’re going to eat it, eat the stuff that makes you drool.  If you’re really in the mood to splurge, actually allow yourself to enjoy it.  Before, during and after.

The main reason why I’m not focusing on the candy treats of Halloween is because The Joy Diet definition is so much broader.  A treat, in this context, is anything that makes you spontaneously smile.  It doesn’t have to cost money, take much time or expand your waist line.

Here’s the idea:  Every day, give yourself at least three really good smile inducing treats.  One in the morning, one in the afternoon and one after every risk you take.  No excuses.  Especially if your first reaction is “How self indulgent is that?!”  If you feel guilty at the thought of treat abundance, you can smile in private.  It’s so much more fun, though, to share the smile with others.

In the pursuit of permanent weight loss, treats are a must.

But wait… don’t you generally “cut out” treats when you try to lose weight?
Yet, reducing your treat intake is NOT part of the Joy Diet.  What to do?

Increase your number of non-edible treats each day in direct proportion to the number of ”not-hungry-but-still-eating-for-some-reason” snacks you take out.

Since emotional eating is often disguised as a well deserved reward, advance preparation of a list of emotional calming treats is a must.  When you think “I deserve a tasty treat,” go to this list.  Often.

For example, I have found that listening to classical piano music works better than ice cream to calm my nerves.  (Despite my initial defiance that this couldn’t possibly be true.)

If you need some idea sparkers, here are some treats I’ve consumed this past week by using The Joy Diet’s “Catalog of Sensory Delights” outline.

I love the sight of:

• our camellias blooming in November.
• pictures of my kids with that “I love you mom” smile.
• my to do list written in silver Sharpie on bright red paper.
• our puppy running home at full speed, ears flying, for a treat.
• the sunrise over the mountains out our back window.

I love the feel of:

• a cool breeze.
• my son playing with my fingers as he falls asleep.
• “doing nothing” in the morning and feeling my brain relax.
• my muscles relax after doing yoga. (For the first time!)
• a bear hug from my husband.

I love the smell of:

• good coffee.
• a rose.
• firewood burning in the fire place.
• fresh baked pecan pie.
• fresh cut Fraser fir trees.

I love the sound of:

• classical piano music.
• my kids laughing.
• the whole family laughing at America’s Funniest Home Videos.
• firewood crackling in the fire place.
• toe tapping music.

I love the taste of:

• that fresh baked pecan pie.
• in season berries.
• a double tall soy latte.
• homemade, salted, hot sweet potato fries.
• my mom’s cheese grits.

Yes.  Include taste.  But sidetrack this piece of the list when the treat isn’t a treat, but a dodging device for a heavy emotion.

I also added
I love the thought of:

• pointing my snow skis over the edge and letting gravity take hold.
• how I’ve reinvented my life this past year.
• my new like-minded friends.
• the connections & reconnections with old friends.
• knowing that everything I decide to do from this moment on is my choice.

Note… what’s fun for me might not be fun for you.

Make up your own list.  What brings a smile to your face?

Lather in smiles.  Rinse.  Repeat.