A nationwide survey has revealed that people who follow restrictive eating plans are less likely to be at their ideal weight, while those who allow themselves occasional treats are more likely to feel satisfied with their bodies.
According to the findings, 89 percent of frequent dieters consider themselves overweight. Additionally, 92 percent of those who have dieted repeatedly over the years say that yo-yo dieting has made it even tougher to shed extra pounds. In contrast, only 43 percent of non-dieters say they are overweight.
Interestingly, 31 percent of those who don’t diet credit their healthy weight to not restricting their eating in the first place. Another nine in ten believe that enjoying the occasional indulgence is the key to maintaining a balanced diet most of the time.
Overall, two thirds (66 percent) of the respondents agree that eating small amounts of your favorite foods is beneficial for the soul, and 94 percent say that life should be about enjoying what you love—in moderation—without feeling as though any food is off-limits.
One nutrition expert involved in the research comments, “The study shows that the best way to make progress is by creating balance in your diet, rather than chasing ‘perfection.’ We encourage people to let go of an all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to establishing health goals. It isn’t about giving up your favorite foods or missing out on special moments with friends and family. It’s about making small, consistent changes over time.”
The 2,000-person survey found that people who have achieved their ideal weight say the perfect balance is roughly 69 percent healthy foods and 31 percent indulgences. They also mention that certain treats—like a slice of cake on someone’s birthday (65 percent) or classic snacks on holiday—are simply part of the joy of living.
“Now and then” treats people at their ideal weight consider worthwhile include fish and chips at the beach (58 percent), chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday (49 percent), a plate of pasta on vacation (48 percent), or even a sandwich stuffed with bacon after a late-night party (28 percent). Meanwhile, 87 percent of chronic dieters confess that depriving themselves of all “unhealthy” or high-calorie foods sometimes leads to bingeing, and 79 percent admit that “fad” or extremely restrictive diets have ultimately led them to fail.
An overwhelming 93 percent feel that dieting has interfered with their enjoyment of life—like not allowing themselves a cookie with their tea (48 percent), turning down a slice of cake in the office (45 percent), or always checking a restaurant menu beforehand to ensure healthy choices (42 percent). One in five respondents have even canceled dinner plans because there was nothing “acceptable” to eat.
Coming out of the holiday season, 57 percent of people say they gain weight during the festivities—on average, around 5 kilograms. Despite the fact that 67 percent would like to lose weight in the coming year, 38 percent think that cutting out all unhealthy foods and drinks during January makes the start of the year more difficult and depressing.
TWENTY OCCASIONAL TREATS THAT PEOPLE AT THEIR IDEAL WEIGHT NEVER SKIP
- A slice of cake on someone’s birthday – 65%
- Fish and chips at the seaside – 58%
- Chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday – 49%
- A plate of pasta in Italy – 48%
- A few chips with a steak – 45%
- A slice of homemade cake – 45%
- A Yorkshire pudding with roast beef – 45%
- A slice of pizza on holiday – 43%
- A baguette with butter in France – 40%
- A mince pie in December – 40%
- Cornish or Devonshire cream teas – 39%
- A Cornish pasty in Cornwall – 39%
- An occasional Saturday night Chinese takeaway – 38%
- A 99 ice cream with a flake on a sunny day – 38%
- A hot dog on holiday – 38%
- A bacon sandwich the morning after a party – 36%
- Cheese and biscuits on Christmas Day – 33%
- A slice of takeaway pizza while watching a favorite movie – 32%
- A piece of Christmas pudding – 32%
- Popcorn at the cinema – 28%
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