cheating on a diet

[littledevil1908]

I am trying to eat as healthy as I can right now. I consume a lot of raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and whatever else I believe to be nutritionally rich and pure. My question is do you think it's ok to cheat once in a while and eat something unhealthy, like a fattening chocolate chip cookie with some unknown ingredients? And what kind of effect do you think these occasional subversions have on your health?

[Minsc]

Originally Posted by littledevil1908

And what kind of effect do you think these occasional subversions have on your health?

I think that as long as it's under 10% of total daily calories then it should be fine and not have much of an effect. (I've heard)

But I'd still try to avoid stuff like trans fat.

[A2K89]

I'd say its not a big deal, and should not really be called "cheating".

If you intend your new healthy diet to be a permanent life style change, then eating a slice of cake per week is so minimal that there is nothing wrong with it - when looking at your diet as a whole.

"God" doesn't want you fearing chocolate, to the point where you avoid it completely. Food is meant to be enjoyed, just not to much if you know what I mean. lol

Don't view it as giving in to some negative urge, view it as rewarding yourself for overall having a healthy diet. Or maybe its best not to think much of it at all.

Just my 2 pence.

[Ali from The Office Diet]

I agree, don't see it as "cheating" -- see it as "relaxing" a bit!

If you eat healthily most of the time -- say, 5 or 6 days out of 7 -- then you can afford to treat yourself once in a while.

Also, trying to be too strict can lead to you finally cracking and binging on all the foods you've labelled as "forbidden".

I personally think it will have a negligable effect on physical health and is probably very good for mental health :-)

Best,

Ali