Staying on a diet may be necessary to stay healthy, but leaving all those sweets and unhealthier foods behind can be difficult for some. Instead, balance out healthy food with one indulgent meal a week. While this doesn’t mean skipping healthy meals for a whole weekend, it does provide a break from your diet. Biologist and nutritionist Luca Avoledo supports the single indulgent meal a week, claiming it not only helps with balance but also sustainable healthy living. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Satisfaction Without Guilt
Where did the one meal a week come from? After receiving many questions from clients about the recommended frequency of indulgent meals, Avoledo suggested one. That one free meal can look different depending on the person. For some, it may be a more relaxed lunch or dinner; for others, it may be a dessert they have been wanting for a while. By adding in one meal a week, you’re satisfying cravings without the guilt that comes with binge-eating or straying away from your diet completely.
2. Avoid Dietary Chaos
However, it should be noted that one indulgent meal does not mean a full weekend of overindulgence and unhealthy foods. Instead, the meal is a small piece of enjoyment while sticking to your main healthy eating habits and goals. If you continue to add more small indulgences, or even daily ones, it can turn into unhealthy patterns that will derail your diet. Creating a nutritional foundation and sticking to it is crucial, especially since indulgent meals can have their psychological impact.
3. Adapt to Your Age
Everyone’s body does not process food the same way. For instance, as we grow older, our metabolism changes and starts to slow down. This means food intake can also change, as something that used to be cherished can now cause digestive issues and other health problems. By adapting your indulgent meal and diet to your dietary changes, you can still enjoy that free meal without any negative effects.
4. Mindful Enjoyment
There is a balance between enjoying an indulgent meal and stuffing yourself with as much unhealthy food as possible. When choosing your meal or dessert, you’ll want to aim for something genuinely enjoyable, such as a slice of pizza or a mouth-watering dessert. Plus, when you eat it, try to savor each bite to prolong the meal and decrease the chances of going back for more. Avoledo seconds this, highlighting the importance of consistency rather than perfection.
5. Enhance Your Relationship with Food
Scheduling out your indulgent meal can actually build a healthier relationship with food. Instead of labeling food as “good” or “bad,” which can lead to guilt, you can enjoy your diet and foods for special occasions. By accepting planned indulgence as part of your healthy diet, you can prevent binge eating and negative thoughts toward food. Instead, foster emotional well-being and positive relationships with your food, so your next meal isn’t as daunting.
Final Thoughts
A balanced diet does not have to be dictated by strict limitations and frustration. Instead, through moderation and self-awareness, you can start to enjoy eating again. One indulgent meal is a great place to start, making sure it’s a mindful portion and doesn’t happen more than once a week. This can help improve your physical and psychological health and keep you on the road to a healthy life. So, if you’re having trouble leaving unhealthier foods behind, try adding this approach to your routine.