GettyIf you’re looking to lose a few extra pounds, this may be the best news you hear all week. Maybe even all year.
Want a pizza? Maybe a burger? Some chips? Go to town – a study has finally proven that eating fast food can help you lose weight.
Before you get too excited though, keep in mind that this is all well and good only when done in moderation.
According to Men’s Health, a recent study showed that after two weeks of dieting, people who were allowed one ‘cheat day’ to eat whatever they wanted per week were more likely to stick to their diets in the long run.
The beauty of a cheat day is that you’re allowed to eat whatever you want, so you don’t have to limit yourself to fast food. You could through in some ice cream or biscuits to help boost your chances of sticking to your diet.
The reason? Occasional indulgence makes dieting more sustainable, according to the researchers.
GettyStudy author Rita Coelho do Vale, Ph.D told Men’s Health:
The key is to plan ahead and designate a specific day for your rule-breaking. That’s because giving in to a spur-of-the-moment donut can make you feel like you blew your diet—and might as well abandon it completely.
But it’s important not to confuse ‘cheat day’ with ‘eat everything in my cupboard’ day. The study participants kept their portions of treats within reason so they could stay within their weekly calorie totals.
So don’t go and stuff a burger and two pizzas in your mouth for breakfast – keep it relatively light. A couples slices of pizza will do.
