A new study shows that it may be easier to stick to a diet if you allow yourself a sweet treat now and then (like I did tonight with my mom's Candied Yams, and last Friday with the Chocolate Pudding Cake. O.K. So my versions of both of them have been lightened up, but not so much so that they are anything less than delicious!). Banning sugary foods completely from your diet can actually lead to overeating. Removing access to sweet foods stimulates the release of a molecule in our brain that is normally produced when we are anxious or stressed. Increased stress lowers our motivation to eat healthy and nutritious foods, so we tend to binge on junk food. (From Eating Well magazine, June 2010 - referring to a study in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences").
Note: Especially if you have health issues that require limitation of sugar intake, make sure that, when you allow yourself your sweet treat, that it is a small portion - just enough to sate your craving. When I just have to have some cheesecake, I split a slice with my husband or a friend. And there is so much to be said for an ounce of dark chocolate with a 5 ounce glass of your favorite Pinot Noir - both contain antoxidants, for one thing. See my previous Blog on Red Wine and check out tomorrow's Blog on the benefits of chocolate. In the meantime, happy and healthy eating!
No comments:
Post a Comment