Treats

I have been on the South Beach Diet for the past week. I know that sounds cheesy (and it actually is. I can stuff myself with feta and mozz, at least), but hey, it is also working. I have lost about 5 lbs. according to the pants-tightness index. I refuse to weigh myself as that seems too obsessive. I figure if the pants that once fit me in the past fit again, that's good enough. But the most remarkable result - the result I was really going for when I started this- is that I've become pretty indifferent to sugar and carbs. I was working up a pretty severe sugar addiction. I had desert breakfast, lunch and dinner. But no more, thanks to the Good Doctor of South Beach. And I have tons more energy.
Lest you think this is a covert advert for South Beach, let me move on to the real premise of this post: We All Need Treats. My dogs are primarily motivated by treats. When Charming, my older Border Collie, lies stolidly in the backyard refusing to come in and I need to leave for class (or to shop for South Beach-appropriate foods), all I have to do is ask him "Are you hungry? Do you want a treat?" and he's in like a flash. I give him a bit of chicken and he's ecstatic. Astro, my young BC, is also compelled by chicken, but also by toy as treat, walk as treat, car ride as treat. Even petting as treat still makes the grade.
And for me, it doesn't always have to be a food treat. Lots of treats I give myself are even better than a Dagoba 60% Xocolatl bar (for my money, the best chocolate bar in the world). These include: trips to local college art museums, going to readings by authors I like or love or don't know at all, having a bathe with lots of lavender, walking in beautiful places, cracking open a new book from the library, having a cup of my favorite tea (a nice Pu-erh currently, but sometimes a jasmine or a really redolent Earl Grey). I could go on and on. One of my students tells me I'm the Queen of Treats. And I think she's right. I think there should be a playing card made over in my image. I like to give myself one treat a day, at least. Why not? It greatly contributes to my happiness, and I bet it will contribute to yours. So, for the rest of the week, give yourself a treat a day. Make sure the treats aren't only food treats, but a few are OK, especially fresh strawberries. Then write or draw your treats. Don't forget, now. EVERY DAY! A treat a day will make you a better, finer, happier person, after only a week. It's even better than the South Beach Diet. I guarantee it.