Dieting in a healthy context is the new flex

The next time you feel the pressure to be perfect with your diet, consider this study. Researchers have discovered that a bit more diet flexibility can actually be more effective for losing weight and keeping it off.

Or, if you prefer a catchy headline: Not obsessing over every bite you take can help your metabolism! (Okay, it doesn't literally reset your metabolism, but it does help.)

When you’re trying to lose weight, there's an often overlooked aspect: as you shed pounds, your resting metabolic rate decreases. This is a normal and healthy process since a smaller body requires less energy. However, your resting metabolism accounts for about 60 to 70 percent of your total metabolism.

When diets cause rapid weight loss, your metabolism can slow down more than expected for your new weight. Essentially, you end up burning fewer calories than you should, making it harder to maintain or continue losing weight.

In a recent analysis of 12 studies on the effectiveness of “diet breaks,” scientists found that taking breaks resulted in a metabolism that burned about 50 more calories per day compared to those who didn’t take breaks. This might not sound like much, but it adds up over time.

Weight loss is a long-term journey, so accumulating small wins—like maintaining a healthier metabolism—makes the process easier. Contrary to popular belief, occasional indulgences in sugary or non-nutritious foods won’t break your metabolism or make you gain weight. In fact, having these foods occasionally can lead to a healthier adjustment to eating better overall.

More importantly, people who incorporate diet breaks tend to lose as much weight, if not more, than those who follow strict plans. Changing your body involves both physical and psychological challenges. It's natural to crave certain foods, and too much restriction can increase stress and anxiety, making it easier to stray from your plan.

That’s why it's crucial to follow a plan where you can’t mess up. In order to achieve that, you need to follow a diet with the food that you enjoy and love. I have put my life's work in a guide that gives you the tools and knowledge to do so, The Supreme Body Recomposition.

Research suggests that diet breaks can alleviate the psychological stress of dieting. While some flexibility may not accelerate weight loss, it can prevent mental burnout, allow you to enjoy your favorite foods, and still achieve great results.