Why did our parents do these things to us?? My mother modelled terrible behaviour to us around food. My sister and I grew up believing that cake and chocolate was our enemy and would make us fat. She never taught us about a balanced diet that included these things. I remember going on a residential 10-day study trip at 17, being ultra controlled, never snacking between our meals, and always opting for the low-fat "healthy" dessert. I wondered how these other girls could happily eat the indulgent desserts and snack between meals on cookies without being concerned about putting on weight. It baffled me. I literally didn't understand it.