While it isn’t a new or particularly innovative concept, flexible eating is an eating concept practiced by few dieters–oftentimes because they believe you can’t lose weight by eating flexibly. Despite these beliefs, studies show flexible dieting is statistically more successful than rigid dieting, resulting in lower body mass indexes and less incidences of overeating. Experts also agree it’s not an effective diet method, according to Body Active Nation.
The concept behind flexible eating isn’t difficult: Don’t try to control your eating habits so rigidly. Try to eat in a healthful manner, but eat your favorite foods in moderation–and don’t freak out when you eat foods not on your diet plan. To better visualize it, let’s show some examples of how regular people practice flexible eating.
Flexible Eating Example 1
To start, let’s use me as an example. I’ve lost nearly 40lbs since April 2011 and have a tighter bod to boot. I practice something called the 80/20 rule, which helps me practice flexible dieting. Essentially, the rule recommends getting 80 percent of your daily intake from nutritious, minimally processed foods.
After you do that, the rest of your intake, or 20 percent, can come from foods you crave and enjoy, such as chips or ice cream.
I’ve followed this rule faithfully for months and have never had any cravings or overeating episodes. I had no desire to, since I was eating foods I craved everyday.
Flexible Eating Example 2
Another way to practice flexible eating is to avoid banning any food groups. Instead, practice moderation–eating more vegetables, whole grains and fruits, but also eating smaller amounts of your favorite high-calorie foods. For example, for supper, a typical meal may consist of a lean chicken breast, a serving of carrots and broccoli and a cookie.
As you can see, you’re still eating the foods you love, but in moderation–and it’s always paired with nutritious foods.
Flexible Eating Example 3
Another way to incorporate flexible eating is to have a cheat meal at a restaurant once a week. This is also a flexible eating strategy I used extensively during my diet. Just remember to eat in moderation–this is not the time to have a huge, 6,000 calorie binge at a Chinese buffet. Instead, choose a meal you really want, and then indulge.
For instance, I like sushi, so occasionally I go to a Japanese restaurant where I order two rolls of unagi sushi. That’s it–no need to stuff yourself silly. Just satisfy your craving, and then stop eating.
These examples aren’t the only ways to practice flexible eating, but they are the most common ways. Try practicing it yourself–it’s a great way to stop being so rigid and enjoy life!
Source:
Body Active Nation