We're not kidding—and we've got the science to prove it.
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By Jessica Mattern, Woman'sDay
Say goodbye to food guilt, because "cheat days"—or treating yourself to your favorite not-so-healthy-food (pizza, ice cream, potato chips)—is now officially a good thing, according to a recent study.
[post_ads]Planned-ahead diet cheating may help you stick to your healthy eating plan for the long haul, thereby leading to more weight loss, according to a study featured in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, completed by the Tilburg University in Holland and the Catholic University of Portugal in Lisbon.
[post_ads]Planned-ahead diet cheating may help you stick to your healthy eating plan for the long haul, thereby leading to more weight loss, according to a study featured in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, completed by the Tilburg University in Holland and the Catholic University of Portugal in Lisbon.
Scientists
studied two groups of participants: The first was limited to 10,500
calories per week with no cheat days, and the second was also limited to
10,500 calories per week, but were allowed to eat whatever they wanted
on Sundays (within reason), according to Men's Health.
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At the end of two weeks, both groups lost weight, but only the second group was motivated to keep going and work toward their healthy eating goals.
And
it all makes sense because really, because these findings simply stress
the importance of balance and planning ahead. Treating yourself by
enjoying your favorite foods on occasion will help you achieve long-term
success, as long as it's occasional and mindful, the researchers said.
Choosing when and what you'll treat yourself to ensures it's not
thoughtlessly happening all the time and that those pizza and ice cream
portions are within reason. So go ahead and indulge in that cupcake on a Friday night after a long week—you deserve it!
Read More :
- An Easy 6-Day Plan To Lose 10 Pounds
- This Woman's 169-Pound Weight Loss Had a Miraculous Effect On Her Face
