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3 Good Reasons to Cheat on Your Diet

By Genevieve Cunningham

Sticking to a healthy diet can be tough. It feels so restrictive -- so much like we're missing out on all the good stuff! Of course, a healthy and fit body is worth the effort, but that doesn't make the process any easier. But what if eating healthy didn't have to be so hard? What if, instead of cutting out everything tempting, we actually planned to cheat once in a while? If you have trouble sticking to the healthy foods on your diet, take a look at these three good reasons why cheating on your diet may be a good idea. 

To Avoid the Binge

When we cut ourselves a break every now and then, we cut down on the likelihood that we'll binge. Too much restriction can make cravings worse. It makes us want those cookies or cupcakes even more. And each time we turn down a favorite treat, it gets a little more difficult to say no the next time. Instead of setting yourself up for this, just say yes on occasion. If you randomly allow a treat, it's not as hard to say no -- because it won't be that long until you can say yes again. Don't set yourself up for the binge. Eat a treat and lessen the temptation once in a while instead.

To Keep It Real

Maintaining a strict diet and avoiding everything that's considered a treat is not normal. It's not real. Unless you're a model or an Olympic athlete, there's just no reason to live that way. The best approach to living a healthy life is to keep it real. Be honest with yourself. Can you maintain such restriction for months? Years? Probably not. And why should you? Plan for some treats, and it'll be easier to maintain your diet and your health in the future. 

For Sustainability

The best way to make a diet really work is to make sure it's something that you can stick with. If you can't live without chocolate, plan it into your weekly menu. If you really need that midday coffee, count those calories toward your total consumption. The key is to factor in what you want. If you account for the foods that you eat -- no matter what they are -- then you can still stick to the plan and make progress toward your goals.

You don't have to be perfect. You have to be consistent and patient, but perfection is definitely not required. Make a plan that offers leniency. One that allows you to feel normal and enjoy some of your favorite treats. With the right approach, you can truly have your cake and eat it too in your normal diet.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Escondido, Calif.

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