There are differing opinions about whether or not it’s a good idea to splurge. When you are trying to maintain a fit lifestyle, it can be difficult to know if splurging will do more harm than good.
Some will say that splurging, in any form, is never a good idea. But I tend to think it depends on the circumstances.
For instance, what one person considers to be splurging might not be the same to another. One might look at splurging as eating everything in sight, with no restraint. But others, such as me, see it as a way to not deprive myself.
Deprivation can be a detriment for some who are trying to eat right and exercise. You are putting in the work and effort to stay active and you are making healthy choices. But to deprive yourself for the rest of your life on something you enjoy can make all that hard work go down the drain.
But there is another side. For some people splurging seems to unleash a lack of self-control. One day of splurging turns into another and then another.
Ask yourself, am I more likely to stick to my diet and exercise if I splurge once-in-a-while or am I likely to get off track? We are not all wired the same so you really need to take this into consideration.
The other thing that has to be considered is the form in which splurging takes. Some like to use the weekend as a time to splurge. But that is a lot of meals you are putting away that might not be good for you. It could sabotage all the hard work you did throughout the week.
Others set aside one day a week to splurge. While that is better than the whole weekend, you could still easily put on a couple (or more) pounds.
My view is that splurging just one meal a week will likely not hurt your efforts. But keep in mind that splurging doesn’t mean going overboard, or eating until you are sick.
Splurge might mean a dessert, an extra helping, mashed potatoes or whatever brings you pleasure. Splurging must still be done with some restraint.
What do you think about splurging a meal?
Related Articles:
The Benefits of a Food Journal
Satisfaction in Eating and Fitness
What Do Your Portion Sizes Look Like?
Photo by brokenarts in stock.xchng