Whether you’re on a strict diet or a lifelong quest to watch what you eat, the temptation to cheat is constantly there.
But here’s the thing: you can enjoy a few indulgences occasionally, as long as you know how to do it right!
ticking to a proper diet doesn’t have to be a miserable slog. You can — and should — enjoy your favorite foods here and there! It’s all about using a little common sense.
I think a lot of people believe that dieting means they have to deprive themselves of the foods they enjoy. Not true! It’s actually a good idea to indulge your cravings here and there. Cravings are your body’s way of trying to get your conscious attention. So don't ignore them. Just indulge in moderation, that’s all.
Here are some ground rules for how you can successfully lose weight and enjoy yourself in the process. My prescriptions:
- Don’t beat yourself up when you cheat. Remember, you’re in this for the long haul. Good health is a lifelong process. Brush it off and move forward.
- When you do get cravings, think to yourself: “How can I make this food healthier?”
- Plan ahead. If you decide to indulge in a burger and fries for lunch, consider going light on breakfast and dinner.
- A small treat enjoyed mindfully goes a long way.
Eating foods you love is a great way to practice mindfulness. Doing this can make those small treats last longer, and seem much more enjoyable.
It’s simple: just put all of your focus on the food you’re eating. Think about how it looks, the way it smells, what it feels like in your mouth.
In doing so, you may find that you actually need less of that food you crave to be satisfied. Plus, you’re training your brain to be mindful at the same time!
