By Jaylin Allen
There are so many rules about what you shouldn’t eat, when you shouldn’t eat and where you shouldn’t eat. If you want to lose weight, you’re supposed to follow these rules. However, what if I told you that you could still lose weight without all these diet rules? You’d think I’m crazy, right? But, if you follow the following advice, you can still enjoy food and reach your weight-loss goals without so many restrictions.
Here are eight diet rules that you can break.
#1: Don’t Eat Red Meat
There’s nothing wrong to eat an occasional steak or hamburger. Red meat provides protein, which takes longer to digest than fruits and veggies, so it keeps you fuller, longer. Limit your choice of the “prime” cuts (such as prime rib) to decrease your intake of saturated fat. Some good alternatives to prime cuts are cuts that contain the words “loin” and “round.”
#2: Don’t Eat After 8 p.m.
Skipping a snack or dinner later in the evening can be a recipe for disaster. Your metabolism can get thrown off track if you fast from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. (or whenever you have breakfast). If your work day doesn’t begin until 12 p.m. or later, then eating after 8 p.m. is one rule you can break. Your body doesn’t keep tabs on the clock to monitor hunger and neither should you. Keep in mind that you don’t want to make a habit of eating late and then going to bed directly after. Give yourself a couple of hours between meal time and bed time.
#3: Don’t Give Into Cravings
Trying to say no to every craving you have can really drive you crazy. On the other hand, you don’t want to let your cravings take control of how you eat. To avoid the craving madness, plan ahead. Give your body supportive nutrients every 3 to 4 hours to help prevent cravings in the first place. As your cravings decrease, it won’t hurt to satisfy them once in a while and it will do wonders for your psyche. You’ll notice as you work out regularly and eat nutrient-rich foods that your food cravings will change. You might find yourself craving an apple, a cheese slice or a fruit cup. If it’s chocolate that you want, then go ahead and have a little bite. Give the rest of the chocolate to a friend or co-worker. Out of site, out of mind.
#4: Don’t Eat Bread
All bread is not created equal, nor is it all evil. White bread aside, breads rich in whole wheat and grains can be a good source of energy and fiber. Like protein, whole grain takes longer for your body to break down, leaving you fuller, longer.
#5: Don’t Eat Fat
Fact: Healthy fats promote weight loss. What is a healthy fat? Omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent source of good fat. Omega 3’s are found is salmon, walnuts and flax seeds. This fat is essential in helping your body absorb nutrients such as vitamin A. Educate yourself more on healthy fats and feel free to break the “zero fat” rule.
More: Mighty Omegas—The “Good Fat”
#6: Don’t go Through the Drive-thru
Do you struggle between hitting the drive-thru or eating an energy bar? Well, struggle no more. The drive-thru isn’t the worst option. Fast food can definitely be a good way to get the overall nutrients you need versus a candy bar disguised as a protein bar. No, I don’t recommend ordering the french fries, processed chicken sandwiches or a double patty burgers. Most drive-thrus have salads, chili and other healthy options as alternatives to the traditional high-calorie, high-fat options.
#7: Don’t Drink Beer
Yeah, I knew you’d like this one.
If you enjoy a good beer, you don’t have to cave to its lighter version. With cravings, if you give into it within moderation, chances are you will feel satisfied and not go overboard in trying to eat, or in this case drink, around it. Enjoy one of your favorite beers; it’s not going to derail your diet. Two or three light beers, although lower in calories per bottle, will pack on more calories than one of your favorite drinks.
#8: Eat 100-Calorie Snacks Packs
Did I trick you? Well, 100-calorie snack packs can be deceiving. Just because the pack says “100 calories,” doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. In fact, many of those 100-calorie packs are loaded with the same amount of sugar, fat and artificial flavoring as the full-flavored inspirations. Instead of indulging in prepackaged snack packs, make your own. An apple with peanut butter, some crackers and a few squares of real cheese can be just as handy and healthier for you than the packaged 100-calorie packs