Moderation Over Deprivation

Dieting has become a pastime for many people, to the point they deprive themselves so much, they’re willing to go to great lengths to hide the fact they’re cheating, develop a distorted view of food and normally don’t lose the weight they hope to lose. Always choose moderation over deprivation, because moderation helps you attain long term goals. You can’t continue a life of deprivation of certain food groups and be healthy or feel whole.

Moderation is making smarter choices when it comes to what you eat.

There are no foods that are banned from your food list, just foods you eat more frequently and ones you eat occasionally. We’re all human and when you think you’ll never be able to eat something is when you want it most and it floods your mind with visions. You develop obsessions that way, not a healthy attitude toward food. When you finally do break down and have a piece of cake, you binge and instead eat the whole cake.

Permanent change comes when you choose eating habits you can stick with in the long run.

What happens when people who deprive themselves of a certain food and then fall off the wagon? Some people get right back on the wagon, but in many cases, they not only binge, they give up entirely. If you know ahead of time that you can eat smaller amounts of any type of food, you are never a failure and don’t have to verbally reprimand yourself or feel ashamed, then drown your sorrows in a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Just remember portion control at all times and focus more on eating healthy foods and a balanced diet.

Focus on whole foods.

Fresh fruits and vegetables and plant protein or lean animal protein should top your list as you focus on what you should eat, not what you shouldn’t. For those of you that find you’re addicted to sugar and can’t just cut back, try cutting out food with added sugar for a week or two. Once you clear your palate and break the sugar habit, you’ll find that fruit tastes sweeter and you’re satisfied with a parfait made from Greek yogurt, ripe banana, fresh fruit and nuts. Remember, you don’t have to give up food with added sugar forever, just long enough to break the cycle.

• Everyone is different. For some people deprivation is the only way, but for them, they still realize that they can return to regular eating habits at some point. If that describes you, when you go back to normal eating habits, keep your focus on healthy food and don’t go back to old habits.
• The minute food no longer plays such a prominent role in your life that it’s on your mind, whether it’s thinking about the food you can’t have or when you get to eat next, you’ll have successfully transferred to a healthier relationship with food.
• Most people that deprive themselves often feel they’re powerless when it comes to food. That’s just not true. No food can make you binge. Once you understand that, you’ll no longer struggle to lose weight.
• Rather than focusing on what you can’t eat, focus on what you should eat and eat plenty of it. It’s hard to eat so many vegetables that you end up gaining weight, Focus on healthy eating and you’ll find it far easier.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness