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It's like Food has multiple personalities. It is both the dark and light angel on my shoulders. It can't make up its mind. I wish it would just be healthy all the time. That would make my life a lot less miserable.

Here's what happened...

A few weeks ago, I decided to start a cleanse diet, which consists of eating only fruits, veggies, nuts and fish for three weeks. I had done it before and loved the results. Not only did I lose a few pounds, but I felt incredible. I was strong and full of energy. This time around, it was different. I was nauseous all the time, dizzy and tired. It was just a struggle. I know that the reasons for this were strictly environmental. I wasn't getting enough sleep. I was crazy busy and therefore stressed out. And I wasn't drinking enough water either.

Whatever the reason, I decided to stop the diet and get back to eating the regular way. Except it was Halloween. And Food's devilish side got the best of me. I didn't just snack on chocolate, I DEVOURED it. I would have candy every 20 minutes! On top of that, I was eating lots of pizza and fast food. Somehow I felt entitled to all of this because I was staying away from junk food for a couple of weeks.

This, my friends, is a classic example of a crash diet gone wrong.

Things started spiraling out of control. My pants were getting tighter and my mood was getting... wickeder. I knew I needed to get a grip.

So, I did some soul searching and finally came to terms with the fact that moderation really IS key. Being on a strict diet definitely has its benefits, but the chances are good that you'll overindulge once off the diet. And the guilt that comes with overindulging... oh, the guilt. It's ugly.

So here's what I'm doing now... I still eat as many raw fruits and vegetables as I can get my hungry hands on throughout the day, but I also eat yogurt and cheese sticks (foods I once thought were a crime because they're not "cleanse-worthy"). My lunchtime snack is nuts mixed with chocolate chips (sooo good!), so that I can still get my chocolate fix. And I'm limiting my fast food stops to emergencies only. That has helped a lot.

As long as I maintain these healthy basics throughout the day, every day, then when I DO treat myself to pizza or cookies, I don't feel guilty about it at all. And my pants still fit.

So there, Food. You no longer have control over me. Now let's kiss and make up.