Here Is Why a Balanced Lifestyle Is Just as Important as Exercise

We know that we can improve overall health and wellbeing by sustaining a balanced diet and personal fitness, but is this all we need?

Most of us love a good burger with fries, an ice cold beer, a glass of wine or a cheeky G&T or what about an artisanal ice-cream or a luxurious piece of chocolate? 🍫  Yum!

Living a balanced lifestyle does not mean that you can't have that slice of pizza or your favourite cake because that is exactly what it's all about; a balanced lifestyle. 

Integrating that less healthy treat into your clean eating and exercising regime may be a slippery slope as it's so easy to indulge just a little bit too much. However, it can be done without feeling guilty or interrupting your way to a healthier you.

Here are some tips and tricks to get you on the right track!

GET A BUDDY 👭 

Sharing a treat with a buddy is a great way to keep you from going overboard or over indulge. Make a pact with a trustworthy friend and look out for each other. Share a pizza or go for a glass of wine making sure you have each other's back. Stick to the plan!

TREAT DAY 📆
Set one day a week for when you can eat what you want. If you are eating healthy the other 6 days of the week you should be proud of yourself. You can do this!

OPT FOR HEALTHIER TREATS 🍎
Find healthy treats that provide nutrients and taste great like dark chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit. A baked banana or apples with a drizzle of maple syrup and cinnamon are good options too.

TWO TREATS A WEEK 🍪🍷
This is a great way to keep to a healthy diet while still allowing yourself some of the unhealthier foods that you love and can't live without. Keep to reasonable portions of 300 calories per treat and incorporate your treats into your weekly diet. 

Allowing yourself tiny indulgences throughout the week is a better way to maintain weight than cutting out certain foods entirely. You will have less cravings and you will feel more accomplished in your search for a better overall balanced lifestyle. 

For many of us a treat feels like a reward and just because you strive to live a healthier lifestyle does not mean you should not reward yourself!

A treat could also be associated with relaxation depending on behaviour patterns. Having that time out to relax on a daily basis is very important too. When we relax, we increase our blood flow which in return give us more energy, we will be more positive and when we relax we can think clearer and concentrate better. 

For some a snack is associated with social interaction; research has show that when we eat together we feel happier and more satisfied with our lives. 
Eating together increase social bonding and a feeling of wellbeing. 

All these things are important for us to live balanced and fulfilled lives. A good thing to remember is that a treat is only a treat if you don't have it all the time!