Weight Loss Tip? Science Says It’s Good to Cheat!

Holiday weight gain seems unavoidable, but a little knowledge can keep you from winding up with a jelly belly. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day of indulgence—a day of big eating (like …Christmas) actually benefits your weight loss:

Splurging keeps you in the game. Desperate people do desperate things, and if you feel like you’re starving, you’re more apt to stray from your diet. A cheat day allows you to eat until you feel full and happy. If you’re working out and eating well, this weekly reward can keep you motivated.

Splurging stops cravings. If you get a taste of the foods you like, you’re less likely to overindulge when you cave. Studies show those who eat a balanced diet without cutting out the foods they love have more weight-loss success.

Splurging stops plateaus. Cheat days shock your body out of a routine—if you get used to eating fewer calories, you’ll stop losing as your body adjusts to the restricted-calorie schedule. Big days stoke your metabolism and save you from plateaus. And an added bonus: You’ll burn more fat at the gym—workouts are effective when you eat.

There’s no better day to cheat than Christmas. Slap on a pair of loose jeans and enjoy your day off. Then get back to business the next day.