According to a study conducted at Cornell University, people who enjoy a varied diet typically have a lower BMI than those who are stuck eating a very dull and restricted range of foods. Making provision for the occasional treat in your diet has also been proven to be one of the best ways to boost your weight loss efforts. In fact, the DietSensor app encourages users to eat healthily while never ceasing to treat themselves by using the Pleasure Réserve feature that has been added to the application. By garnering a greater understanding of the benefit of treats, and learning how to best incorporate them into your diet, it is possible to lose weight while still enjoying good food.

A theory rooted in science

If the thought of indulging in the occasional treat while on a weight loss diet seems too good to be true, you can rest assured knowing that it’s not. In fact, the belief that incorporating treats into a diet plan is very beneficial is deeply rooted in science. When following a calorie-restricted diet, the body’s leptin (a hormone that helps regulate energy balance) production is severely affected. If leptin production decreases too much, you may find yourself experiencing unbearable hunger pangs and cravings that can easily derail a diet. Even if you don’t give in to your cravings, you may find your weight loss plateauing. Eating the occasional treat can boost leptin production, which, in turn, will stabilize your hormone levels and help you to overcome your weight loss plateau.

If in doubt, opt for healthier treats

Although there’s no harm in eating the occasional piece of chocolate or slice of cake, you might prefer sticking to treats that are still considered relatively nutritious. Full-fat yogurt is particularly decadent, and is filled with a range of nutrients such as Vitamin D and calcium. Other dairy products such as butter and cheese are also popular treats. If you have cut down on your red meat consumption, you may find that a juicy steak is the perfect treat. If you have an air fryer, you can put a nutritious spin on many favorite dishes, including deep-fried chicken, French fries, and even muffins. You can also use your air fryer to make a range of other healthy dishes to eat on a regular basis.

Don’t go overboard

If you want to have your cake and eat it, you can – just don’t overdo it. A treat is just that: something you can enjoy occasionally. If you start having a huge treat at every mealtime, you’re definitely not going to be doing your weight loss efforts any favors. Try to reduce your cravings for fat and sugary foods by keeping your diet varied and exciting. Experiment with different herbs and spices, and browse the internet for new recipes. By making use of a wellness app that helps you track your treats, you will be able to successfully add variation to your diet without compromising your weight loss.

Indulging in your favorite treats in moderation is not going to thwart your weight loss efforts. You are actually bound to benefit more from such a varied diet than one that is unnecessarily bland and restricted.