As with many things in life, everything in moderation is fine, so if you have been eating healthily and exercising regularly, why not treat yourself once in a while? Don’t say no to a slice of cake on your birthday, a piece of dark chocolate or an ice cream during your summer holiday, just don’t have them too often.

When I’m at my healthy happy place within myself I live by the ‘eat 19 out of 21 meals correctly’ philosophy. I eat well throughout the week and if I want to go out on a Friday night or Sunday family lunch then I will. Knowing that I’m back on track next week. Do I ever feel guilty about having a treat meal or an icecream…absolutely not!!!! Like I tell my kids ‘It’s a sometimes food’. I enjoy every mouthful of it lol.

Sometimes I find that after having a treat or a meal out, I feel like I get it out of my system and look forward to my routine again. It makes me appreciate nourishing my body regularly.

However if you’re working hard towards a goal I would recommend stick with your eating plan to get the results you’re after first. It can be too easy to go from ‘just one’ treat, to ‘another won’t hurt’. Then you find you may end up sabotaging your progress and hard work.

If you need a sweet hit but know that opening a block of chocolate is going to result in you eating the whole lot, you could try making yourself a fruit and yoghurt smoothie, some protein balls or some homemade granola bars that aren’t filled with sugar like shop bought ones. Greek yoghurt is a great alternative to ice cream. I enjoy a small bowl of blueberries, strawberries and fresh dates. Share your healthy treat ideas if you have some!

Lisa x