Why? Because denial doesn't work, and denying yourself all the foods you love sucks.

Take the other night when I consumed the last two pieces of pecan pie leftover from my birthday gathering on Saturday. I enjoyed the pie a lot and I looked forward to eating the last pieces I'd saved. It was delicious. I don't regret it. Also, I knew when I ate the pie on Tuesday night that I would be in the gym Wednesday morning doing my thing.

Now a little of this kind of rationalization goes a long way and by no means is it a good idea to indulge in pecan pie or say, chocolate-covered graham crackers every day. But if you deny yourself EVERYTHING all the time, you'll end up feeling frustrated and unhappy that you can't enjoy stuff you like.

I never met a dessert I didn't love, or at least like the idea of it. Like many people, I am easily addicted to sugar but have increasingly kicked it to the curb. When I have dessert, I like it an hour or two after a meal and it's nice if it's a social thing. I've learned to share my dessert and when I don't share, I may eat just a bite or two and save the rest for later or the next day. I like leftovers.

I also enjoy choosing high-quality and homemade items over pre-packaged items like Oreos or M&Ms. So when a colleague brought homemade nutclusters to the office just before the holidays, I indulged in the homemade fudgy goodness. When I made tarte tatin, I ate a piece or two because I like it. I'm no longer tempted by the bagel and cream cheese or the chocolate nut cruller from the coffee cart on the corner. But when it comes to artisinal bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil at a restaurant? Sure, just a piece. Pre-packaged rye or wheat--not so interested.

Decisions, decisions. It's okay, but active denial is really no way to live.