Don!t get me wrong, the concept is an important one.
If you tell yourself that you can never again have your favorite foods, your brain will revolt and you will constantly be having cravings.
Besides, I am a foodie - I love great food! If you eat correctly all week - in accordance with Your goals - then splurging a little is a great Reward.
But it is just that - a Reward for doing well all week.
Too many people try to justify eating garbage on the weekend with the concept of a Cheat meal,and they have Not Earned it! This brings me to another key point.
A comprehensive fitness program includes Each of the following 6 components which are Required for success!
- Nutrition- the foundation of all health and fitness
- Supplements- to fill in the voids in your nutritional program
- Strength Training- increase lean muscle mass and metabolism
- Smart Conditioning- optimize fat burning and heart health
- Flexibility / Mobility - to prevent injury, promote recovery
- Coaching- knowledge, support, and accountability
You need a plan that addresses all 6 components in an Individualized way, and find a way to keep yourself Accountable to Your plan.
The Best way to stay Accountable is to write down Everything you eat in a food journal.
A more recent idea is the Flash Diet - simply taking a photo with your phone of anything before you put in your mouth.
This strategy really makes you think before you eat.
(there is more information on both these topics on my website) So Reward yourself with a favorite food you have been craving once a week, the rule of thumb is 90% compliance to Your eating plan - which gives you 10% wiggle room to reward yourself.
(so if you eat 30 good meals per week, 3 could be a reward meals) - but make sure you Earned It!