So we all know that it’s good to lose weight/maintain weight at a stead rate… however, I believe that it’s beneficial to allow yourself to have one day a week where you eat whatever you like. 

In saying this, I don’t mean it’s great to go all out and stuff yourself with greasy, processed food until you simply can’t move anymore. I mean, allowing yourself to push your usual approximate daily calorie intake - even if it is by over 1,000 calories. 

A lot of people believe (especially those on a strict diet) that they’ll lose more weight if they eat 800 calories a day for weeks and weeks…but then they wonder why they’ve stopped losing weight! Well, this is because:

• Your body puts itself into starvation mode, and although you are technically consuming less calories, your body tries to use less calories too - so your weight loss will decrease and the number on the scales just won’t budge (and in some cases, you will gain weight)
• Your body gets ‘used to’ this and you start cruising on a ‘weightloss plateau’. In order a break a plateau, you need to change up your diet and shock your body a bit - this means eating more calories. 
• You may start to feel sick and weak, as you may be depriving your body of necessary ‘good fats’ and nutrients. 

When I say ‘increase your calorie allowance’, I mean have a day where you eat calorie-dense foods. It’s okay to satisfy a craving and have a small piece of cake or cookie! Don’t deprive yourself. Even better, don’t be afraid to have a piece or two (or three, or four!) of bread heaped with avocado or peanut butter. These are nutritious things and you don’t have to feel guilty the next day. Feel like eating 10 apples in a row, but scared of how much ‘sugar’ they contain? Don’t worry! Eat them. 

This is an idea that I live by, and I have not ever put on weight after just one day. Even if I had 3,000 calories or something (not that I count them too accurately ever…). For example, today I ate healthily and cleanly all day, but when I got home I decided to treat myself to lots of bread - some slices with avocado, some with cream cheese. I even had a few more tubs of yoghurt than I usually do (Yoplait 99% fat free variety - however it’s still high in sugar). And guess what, I don’t feel bad, because I’m all set for tomorrow! It’s like refueling your car =)

Notes