Science says it’s OK to cheat on your diet
Having trouble sticking to that strict diet? Take a day off!
That’s right. A recent study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology suggests that “planned hedonic deviations” – a.k.a. rewards in the form of pizza, doughnuts or whatever your pleasure – are actually beneficial to long term goal success.
The only caveat: it has to be planned.
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The study looked at two groups working towards a goal over a two-week period. One group was allowed a cheat day while the other was not. What they found that those who were able to deviate from their goal – even just momentarily – were better at self-regulating their behaviour, felt more motivated and overall experienced a more positive impact on their goal.
They then conducted a third study that involved the cheat days being planned and not just at random, and the success rate was even better – so no making excuses when you accidentally fall off the wagon.
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Works for us!
What do you think about taking a cheat day while dieting? Let us know by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.
