I had a few ups and downs on step 6, which allowed me to learn what situations were going to be challenging for me.

At first, it felt odd to finish my dinner and not have dessert. I dealt with it at home by having a cup of fruity herbal tea and a few almonds at the end of my meal. I had stopped eating sugar shortly before the holiday season, and I knew it would be a challenge when my whole family was eating dessert. I brought a dessert for myself. I brought berries and cream. Actually, for the first few years, I brought my own dessert to family parties and gatherings, either berries and cream, or a pumpkin cake that I sweetened with banana and frosted with cashew butter. Those were program-friendly and I did not feel deprived at all. After a few years, I was perfectly satisfied with a cup of decaf while everyone had dessert.

Restaurants were a little harder, at first, if other people were having dessert, but I would often treat myself to a cup of decaf cappuccino or a latte. If a restaurant serves desserts with berries, they may well have berries in the kitchen and they might be able to make berries with cream for you. I have had 2 restaurants do that. These days, it really isn't an issue, though. I'm perfectly content not having anything while my husband has a dessert.

Part of step 6 is learning what situations are going to be challenging, so now you have some data and can come up with a plan for next time. It gets easier all the time.
Allison

: Hi Kathleen
: I’m on step 6
: Thanks
: Fiona

: Fiona,