5 Times It's OK to Break the Rules

SHAPE magazine

by Charlotte Andersen

Hey, it's OK that sometimes you want to skip your workout for that 30 minutes of extra sleep. And it's OK to eat an entire cheeseburger instead of a salad if that's what you're craving. Moderation is the key, after all! Here are five instances in which we think it's OK to break the healthy living "rules" and not look back!

It's OK to sleep in sometimes!
It's OK to sleep in sometimes!

1. It's OK to sleep, not sweat: It's okay to turn off your alarm and skip your morning workout every once in a while! This is especially true if you're trying to lose weight . A study from the University of Chicago found that sleep deprivation increases levels of a hunger hormone and decreases levels of a hormone that makes you feel full, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.








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It's OK to eat a cheeseburger once in a while.
It's OK to eat a cheeseburger once in a while.

2. It's OK to give into your cravings: It's okay if you splurged and ate one of everything from the buffet at the company picnic! Eating one large meal won't derail your otherwise healthy diet . Black-and-white thinking will-"I've ruined it now, might as well eat whatever I want!" Plus, a 2009 study found that cycling your calories (i.e. alternating large and small amounts) leads to greater fat loss than consistent eating.









How much do I weigh?
How much do I weigh?

3. It's OK to avoid scales (except at the doctor's!): It's okay to only weigh yourself at the doctor's office! Focusing on that one number as an indicator of your health is a losing battle, says Rachel Cosgrove in The Female Body Breakthrough. She suggests having a pair of "thermometer jeans" (i.e. jeans that make you feel smokin' hot) that you can try on to make sure you are maintaining. In the meantime, work on getting stronger, faster, and having more fun, rather than worrying about a number.







Go ahead, order another cup!
Go ahead, order another cup!

4. It's OK to order another cup of coffee: It's okay to caffeinate yourself sometimes! While too much caffeine can lead to jitters and anxiety, sometimes you just need something to help you power through a long afternoon. New research even shows that a moderate amount of coffee can help prevent type II diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.









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It's OK to want to look your best--whatever that may be for you.
It's OK to want to look your best--whatever that may be for you.

5. It's OK to look in the mirror for motivation: It's okay if a hot bod is your biggest workout motivation! Of course regular exercise is great for many more reasons, but there's no shame in scheduling a few extra sweat sessions simply because you want to look fierce in your LBD at an upcoming cocktail party.










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