Backstory: This Nudge is inspired by a nutritionist-recommended deprivation diet I tried in fall 2021. It was a disaster. I was miserable. Nothing tasted good, I got no pleasure from anything. Sure, a few pounds fell away, but I was so unhappy, I knew I had to find a better way.

I did some homework, took a hard look at what I really ate (all around, quite healthy) and how I really exercised, and made a few adjustments. I rethought my portions, changed up my workouts, and…success. Progress toward my goal weight and optimal health has been slow and steady.

So this Nudge feels like a small indulgence, and it is. As it should be.

What will you treat yourself to this week?

What Happened: I took this photo a few minutes ago, in preparation to tell you I failed at this Nudge.

Even though I made a special trip to the market just for this item early in the week, I never opened it. I felt I couldn’t do the real task of this Nudge, which was to “enjoy it.”

So…what the heck?!

I sat quietly this morning to think on this, and here’s what came up. Typically I’d treat myself to a piece when I was stressed, or as I was preparing a meal and wanted a little something to tide me over, or as a prize upon completing a work project. As I faced each of those scenarios this past week, none of them gave me the opportunity to truly enjoy this deeply delicious chocolate. I kept putting it off until I could take a moment, maybe pair it with an espresso or glass of excellent red wine, but that moment never happened.

The Ah-Hahs: “Failed”? Hardly. I think this Nudge was a huge success in how it made me more aware of how I eat, how I indulge (which is not a bad thing), and how I enjoy the good things in my life. I will open this chocolate bar one day soon, and the full experience of tasting, feeling, enjoying will, I trust, be wonderful.