It has a huge impact on our self-esteem.So when we look into the mirror and realize we have some extra pounds to lose, we want to get rid of that problem as soon as we can.
We want to lose that weight… fast.
And to accomplish that, we often take drastic measures.
We realize that eating too much food has caused us to pack on the pounds, so we start cutting back drastically.
But instead of using common sense… instead of using moderation, we feel like we have to make us for lost time.
So we go on these extreme diets… where we restrict our calories.
Not only do we cut back on the junk food, but we cut back on all food… eating just the bare minimum to survive each day.
And in the beginning, this actually works.
Since we’re taking in less calories, our body starts using our stored fat for energy. We start burning that fat and are able to see some quick results both on the scale and in the mirror.
It’s pretty common to lose a quick five or ten pounds from doing this…
But eventually, our progress comes to a screeching halt.
We can only trick our bodies for so long. Our bodies are incredible machines that need the proper fuel to function. And when we deprive it of that fuel by practically starving ourselves, it has no choice but to adapt.
Since we aren’t giving it the nutrients it needs, it goes into panic mode… and starts clinging to all the nutrients that are available to it.
It stops burning fat for energy. It starts holding onto its fat stores for dear life…
And at this point, any weight we lose comes from our muscle being broken down.
So instead of that slim, sexy look we’re all after…
Without that shapely muscle giving us shape, we end up looking worn down and flabbier than ever before.
Even though we’re starving ourselves… we end up looking worse!
That’s because these types of strict diets just don’t work.
They’re temporary measures that only give you temporary results.
But we’ll never find long-term success by depriving ourselves.
Our bodies are always going to adjust to that… We’re always going to hit a plateau that is so hard to overcome.
That’s not how stunning weight loss is achieved.
Real results come from finding balance in our eating habits.
They come from finding a healthy eating plan we can follow long-term… happily… without feeling like we’re suffering through it.
Sure, we have to still make healthy choices…
We still want to stay away from the junk food most of the time.
We want to stick to nutritious whole foods, in their natural forms.
Lean meats… fruits… vegetables…whole grains.
These are the foods that should make up the majority of your eating.
They’re the fundamentals you will rely on time after time. Because you can hardly go wrong by eating them.
But you have to be realistic.
You have to know your body. And be honest with yourself.
If you know you love chocolate… then trying to cut it out of your life cold turkey just isn’t going to work. It’ll make you feel like you’re depriving yourself.
And instead of going through these healthy habits with enthusiasm, you’ll start resenting it.
And that’s the wrong attitude to have.
Getting slim and healthy is something you should be excited about!
You shouldn’t let yourself get weighed down by negativity.
So if you know you need to have chocolate to feel happy… eat chocolate!
Like I said, it’s all about balance.
It isn’t about eating perfect 100% of the time. It’s about finding a plan you can stick to.
And it becomes a lot easier to stick to… when you allow yourself a cheat meal each week.
That’s one meal a week… where you’re able to indulge in your favorite foods. No matter what they are.
Then when the meal’s over… and you get those cravings out of your system… it makes it much easier to eat healthy, knowing that you have another cheat meal waiting for you again next week.
Plus… it’s a great way to keep your body from adjusting. Giving it a meal full of calories once a week keeps it out of panic mode… and keeps your metabolism moving along at full speed.
The cheat meal is an incredible tool to use to help get you to your goals.
Actually, now that I’ve achieved my goals… I actually take a whole “cheat day.” Where I’m able to relax and eat the foods I want.
And I’m able to get away with it for two reasons.
First, I make sure I stay active. I practice fat blasting movements. So the extra calories I’m taking in during my cheat day still get used up throughout the week.
Second, I’m still eating healthy 90% of the time. Once the cheat day is over, I don’t think about it until the next week, making sure to eat healthy until then.
But if you haven’t yet reached your goals, you should stick to one cheat meal per week. Then once you’re happy with the way you look, you can ease up.
As long as you’re making sure to eat healthy the majority of the time, you’re going to get results. And get those results without feeling like you’re suffering through life.
So start incorporating a cheat meal in your week. See how much easier it becomes to eat healthy the rest of the week. I’m sure it will make a huge difference in keeping both your body and your mind happy.
And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave me a comment in the section below.
