The key to sticking with any diet, according a recent study, is to keep eating your favorite foods—even if that’s ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. Researchers tested two groups of dieters: One cut out unhealthy foods and another added healthier alternatives to their diet. Both approaches worked, so long as the participants focused on foods they truly liked and avoided those they felt meh about.
Translation: If you’re crazy about chocolate, have it once in a while and cut out other sweets you don’t really care about. The same goes for healthy foods. Not a fan of kale? Don’t force yourself to chow down on kale salads. Opt for another veggie you actually enjoy.
