I don't think you can live your life never having what you want... if you don't eat out very often, then once in a while, there's no reason NOT to have the ribs... often we share something fatty, like ribs, and then order an entre salad, so we're only having half the badness... or you can often order a "seniors" portion.
If have a treat or a celebration on the horizon, i find it easier to manage the day to day. Like Sunday is date night, or whatever... i know i will have a big meaty dinner, so i will skip the treats this week.
Someone told me once you should be good 80% of the time, then the 20% won't take you out. I'm bad for when i forget that, and i have pasta, wine, icecream and candy all in the same day, then it becomes every day, then i gain the 30lbs back that i lost for the wedding :(