So, you've taken that dreaded step onto the scales and are about to leap into your latest diet. We've all been there. Dieting is a natural part of life, and many adults reach the stage where they feel it's time to focus on their health and diet.
When it comes to dieting, there are many things that people are unsure about - and the latest trending diets don't help. One of the most common mistakes dieters make is going all in without giving themselves some breathing space.
The consensus is that you must give up your favourite foods and live off vegetables and protein shakes, but is that the truth? We say no.
Stay tuned if you're wondering whether you can eat candy while dieting. This post will reveal why dieting isn't always as restrictive as it seems.
Why People Think They Need To Cut Out All Unhealthy Foods When Dieting
Take a look at the latest diets or influencers who claim they've lost a ridiculous amount of weight in just a couple of months, and you'll see why people believe that cutting most foods apart from vegetables and proteins is the only way to lose weight.
When you go on a diet, you should look at two things - what foods you're eating and how many calories you're consuming. If you focus on these two factors, you'll find it much easier to lose weight without feeling deprived of your favourite foods.
Of course, this doesn't mean that you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. You still need to be mindful of your calorie intake and ensure that most meals are nutrient-rich and healthy.
However, there's a big difference between looking at how many calories you need and getting the right balance of foods and going on an extreme crusade.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn't cut out all unhealthy foods.
You'll Binge Later
When you try to cut out all unhealthy foods, it's only a matter of time before you start craving them. Us humans are creatures of habit, and when we tell ourselves we can't have something, it only makes us want it more.
Unfortunately, many dieters fall victim to bingeing, leading to an unhealthy cycle that results in more weight gain.
You'll Feel Deprived
The sheer selection of foods available means that our diet is no longer a means for survival but a significant source of enjoyment for people. Restrictive diets make you feel like you're missing out on all the fun.
When you see your friends eating pizza or cake, you'll be filled with envy and will eventually give in to your cravings. In time, this will result in an unhealthy relationship with food and damage your metabolism.
It's Not Sustainable In The Long Term
If a diet is too restrictive, it will not be sustainable in the long term. When you try to cut out all unhealthy foods, you're likely to fall off the wagon eventually.
It's better to focus on making small changes that you can stick to for the rest of your life rather than going on a fad diet that you'll abandon after a few weeks.
A Healthy Diet Is All About Balance
As most nutritionists will tell you, a healthy diet is about balancing the various food groups and ensuring you get the right amount of daily nutrients.
There are four major food groups, and each is important to your overall daily intake:
- Protein: One of the essential factors for weight loss and muscle mass, protein fills you up more and helps your body stay healthy and stable.
- Fat: In the past, people believed that all fats were bad for people, but we now know there's a significant difference between good and bad fats.
- Carbohydrates: Also known as energy foods, carbs are the fastest way to larger belt sizes. However, as with fats, there are good versions and bad ones.
You can lose weight and still enjoy food if you get a good balance of the food groups. The general advice from specialists is to split your daily intake according to the ratio:
- 30% Carbohydrates
- 40% Protein
- 30% Fats
Can I Eat Sweets?
It would be best if you didn't eliminate any food groups, as this will only lead to deficiencies. Instead, we recommend you focus on eating a variety of nutritious foods and limiting your intake of unhealthy foods.
For example, if you love sweets, you can still enjoy the odd sweet treat while dieting as long as you balance it with healthy meals and snacks and don't go overboard with the sugary stuff.
There are plenty of healthy options to choose between, and Appleton Sweets stocks a range of dietary confectionery, so you can find suitable treats for your needs, including diabetic candy, which is often healthier than the real thing.
It's also OK to enjoy food and choose the moderation approach instead of restriction. According to The Laughing Cow, the average Brit starts and fails 189 diets in their lifetime, and the main reason for failure is an inability to stick to the harsh conditions that many diets require.
The truth is, the only way to succeed with dieting is to give yourself some breathing space and increase your daily exercise. It's not about cutting sweets and other treats from your diet entirely but moderating them to fit into your calorie allowance.
Once you achieve these things, you'll be able to lose weight successfully and spend less time focusing on your weight.
Say Goodbye To Crazy Diets
Well, there you have it: the truth on why diets don't work and why you should never completely give up your favourite treats.
At Appleton Sweets, we have a wide selection of confectionery available at excellent prices. Shopping with us means you can eat healthier and always have a non-guilty treat on hand for when you need it.
So, what are you waiting for? Shop today and enjoy the best treats when you want them.