The problem with this concept is that it causes cravings which will almost always lead to falling off another diet. ( this is how I dieted from 7th grade to the end of my junior year in high school). In my case at least, I thought I would go cold turkey for a couple months, then after I lost weight I would be able to add those foods in again and maintain my weight. However, I would never even get to the point of losing the weight.
This is why fitness cannot be a phase where you think you can never eat anything you want ever again or that you’ll only cut it out for a little while to lose weight. When you make fitness a lifestyle you radically change the way you eat so that you eat healthy but you can also enjoy yourself once in a while without feeling guilty. The key is in not falling back into your old habits.
When I lost my 85 lbs I ate extremely healthy, but I also still had cravings and fed those cravings and I believe this is the only reason I made it to the point I’m at in my life now. At least 1-2 times a week I would eat food that I would never qualify as “healthy” because it was summer and I was out with my friends - foods like fried chicken, McDonalds, Panda Express, Philly cheese steaks, French fries. I still lost 45 lbs in 3 months The key to dieting is to eat healthy 90% of the time and have a cheat meal 10% of the time. As long as your diet and exercise routine is in check you will never have to worry about gaining weight. This is the rule I live by every day of my life.
Tip- Cheat meals can actually be beneficial for a successful diet. Your body’s metabolism slows down during a diet and a cheat meal tricks it into speeding back up, therefore it burns more calories and produces further weight loss. So if your diet is 90% clean this week go on and eat something like a burger, or a little ice-cream, or some fries, or a milkshake. Don’t go crazy but just give yourself a little taste of junk food, then step on the scale later on in the week and have a taste of success.
(all photos google images)
Tony isn't a licensed nutritionist yet, so he can't give anyone advice on what to do. Please consult your doctor for his professional opinion on a diet/nutrition program that will work for you.
Tony's blog is a journal of his experiences and what has worked for him. He lists general guidelines and suggestions only. He is NOT a professional.
This is so true. Thanks for your great tips and continued encouragement for all of us who are changing over to healthy!!
ReplyDeletebtw - after eating healthy and exercising, you don't crave the "bad" foods as much as you used to. It's not worth it!