Here's Why You Shouldn't Feel Too Guilty about Cheating on a Diet ...

By Alison

How many diets are abandoned because of one lapse? It's hard to stick to a diet that doesn't allow any treats, and many dieters feel so guilty when they lapse and indulge themselves that they give up altogether. But it's a question of balance; by allowing yourself a few treats, you're more likely to maintain your weight-loss regime. So here are some reasons why you shouldn't feel guilty about cheating on a diet …

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1

Giving up

If you allow guilt to get the better of you, you're more likely to give up and abandon your diet. You'll reason that you've made a mess of your diet so you may as well give up. Not so. An occasional cheat isn't going to make your diet fail, whereas giving up on it definitely will.

2

Realistic

The occasional 'cheat' is realistic if you're going to achieve your weight loss goals. It will also mean that you don't get so fed up. If you know that you've got some treats to look forward to, you'll be less bored with the days when you stick to your diet. Build some treats into your diet, to ensure that you don't get fed up. It's really not a problem to have occasional cheats.

3

Boring

Sticking to a spartan regime can be counter-productive. It may make you so bored that you'll crave sweet and fatty foods all the more, and find it hard to resist something high in calories. Healthy foods can be tasty, but there's no denying that it's unhealthy foods that we find most enjoyable!

4

Not That Serious

A diet cheat really isn't that big a deal, as long as you're sticking to a sensible plan most of the time. You're not going to gain ten pounds just because you ate an ice cream or had a cookie. Just see it as an occasional treat, and don't indulge yourself too often.

5

Balance

The important thing about a weight loss program is that it should be balanced. You should eat healthily 90% of the time; as long as you do that, a few indulgences won't matter. Of course it's best that you don't overdo your 'cheating'; have a couple of chocolates instead of the whole box, or a small ice cream instead of a massive bowl with lots of extras.

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6

Gradual Weight Loss

Weight loss should be gradual. Aim to lose the weight over a fairly long period of time, rather than a crash diet (which is very unhealthy). Then a few cheats along the way will not be that big a deal. Give yourself time, and you'll be able to lose the weight slowly and steadily, without getting bored or setting yourself unrealistic goals.

7

It's Not a Crime

Finally, don't be so hard on yourself. Cheating on your diet is not a crime! It's difficult and disheartening to adhere to a diet that doesn't allow for any 'cheats'. We all love tasty foods that aren't that good for us, so cheating on your diet is only human.

So you really shouldn't worry if you're tempted by something that isn't on your diet sheet. Just don't be tempted too often! It's better to allow yourself a few treats, so that you don't fall off the diet wagon. Those occasional treats won't ruin your diet, but will ensure that you don't feel deprived. How do you stop a diet getting boring?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

If you are going to treat yourself, I feel it shouldn't be original ice cream or a Milky Way bar. I'd rather have treats by Weight Watchers or Special K. That's what I've done for 6 months and went from 151lbs to 121lbs!

Thanks for the support Denise!!! I thought I was alone on my theory! :-)

Oh, and get off that scale! Weight does NOT equal healthy!

Hats good Macky! It's easy to get caught up in the latest craze or "miracle" cure! Consistent exercise and healthy eating!

Still my trainer wont agree 💔

Go ahead and splurge!!!! Life is too short to worry about every single calorie you eat! I splurge 1 day every week (usually Saturdays), and eat whatever I want!! I work out very day (including that day), but I take time once a week to enjoy myself and let go if any guilt!! As a matter of fact, today is Saturday - heading to the kitchen now to make chocolate fudge brownies!!! Yumm!

And the guilty feelings...... Then you work harder at the gym

Yeah but eat healthier if you can

Anyone have any good websites for quick and easy healthy recipes?

Special K and weight watchers? That's all a scam! Those are the very unhealthy snack, they are full of sugar and aspartame etc. In my diet I don't give a damn about fat, calories etc. I really really care about the ingredients and where they came from. I am into organic eating etc.

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