Ever wondered why you’re struggling to reach your health goals? Many of us fall into the “I deserve it” mindset trap. This is especially common around food and drink after a good or bad day.

There’s no shame in this. Honestly, most of us think this without even realizing it. This mindset is keeping you stuck in your health. I’ll be honest, it’s a hard cycle to break but I’m going to teach you how so you can be confident in your health.

What is the “I Deserve It” mindset?

The “I Deserve It” Mindset is treating food as a reward for doing well or as a comfort after a tough day. This mindset can develop from societal messaging, emotional habits, and diet culture. 

It looks like this – You had a great day, got a raise at work, and are looking forward to celebrating. You stop at the store on the way home & see the cake and you think “I deserve it”.

Or maybe, your children have been extra fussy, you’ve been frustrated by the traffic on your way home and you sit on the couch and think “I deserve it”. Then comes a bowl of ice cream.

“Why does this mindset keep you stuck?

When we tie emotions and accomplishments to food, it makes it harder to have a balanced relationship with eating. Emotions are strong, pulling factors when it comes to how we eat and the way we think about how we are eating. Because of this, this mindset can lead to overindulgence, ultimately undoing progress or creating guilt cycles. 

Constantly ‘treating yourself’ can take control away from mindful decision-making, making food choices reactive rather than intentional. I want to challenge you to reflect on whether your rewards are truly serving your health goals.

How can you shift this mindset?

There are 3 things I want you to focus on here to get you from the “I Deserve It” Mindset to confident health. 

1. View food as nourishment for the body rather than something you have to earn. Food isn’t a medal. The body needs fuel consistently, regardless of how “good” or “bad” the day was. 
2. Celebrate non-food rewards. When you’ve had a great day, celebrate with a nice warm bath instead of a sugary treat. Have a bad day? Take the edge off with a game with your family. The important part here is to reward yourself in ways that align with your long-term goals, not short-term satisfaction.
3. Build a healthier relationship with food. It’s okay to enjoy food without the emotional baggage. Eating a favorite meal shouldn’t be tied to earning it- it’s part of a healthy, balanced life. 

Shifting away from the “I Deserve It’ Mindset will help create freedom around food and support long-term health goals. It doesn’t have to happen all at once – start with one small shift this week – whether it’s choosing a non-food reward or simply enjoying a meal without guilt or justification. 

YOU CAN DO THIS!

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