It’s important to “let go” a little bit during a diet — you need to reward yourself occasionally for your hard work. But if you don’t pay attention to how often you indulge, you’ll end up paying for it in extra pounds.
“Many women do not eat that much, but still are overweight,” says Paulette Lambert, director of nutrition at the institute. “So often it’s not the food you’re eating at meals, such as your sandwich or chicken, but it’s the added indulgences you consume in a week. If you’re following your diet correctly at meal time, but consuming 2,000 calories a week in treats, you cancel out all the good you have done at meals.”
(MORE: 15 Guilt-Free Ways To Indulge In Chocolate)
Keep in mind that you may be drinking your extra calories, for example, says Lambert. Especially in summer, people tend to drink more juices, flavored coffees, sweetened teas and Arnold Palmers, but just because they don’t taste high-calorie doesn’t mean they aren’t.
Lambert recommends limiting treats to no more than 700 calories for week, like two glasses of wine or three small cookies. A little chocolate here and there also gets the green light. (Studies show that chocolate-eaters tend to be thinner than those who report eating it less frequently, and the dark stuff can have positive effects on heart disease risk and blood pressure.)
About California Health and Longevity Institute:
Where It Is: Westlake Village, Calif.
The Vibe: The Southern California health institute tailors a comprehensive wellness program to each individual guests’ needs and goals. Programs include spa therapies, cooking classes, personal training sessions and even dental and dermatology assessments.
What It Costs: Programs can be offered a la carte or in package deals, which run for about $3,500.
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