Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods

Limiting your intake of some foods, such as those high in added sugar and ultra-processed products like fast food, is important for overall health, and weight control. Restriction or full avoidance of certain foods, on the other hand, may increase your desire for them, leading to you eating even more of them later on if the desire becomes strong.

Fortunately, even if they're not the healthiest, you may include your favorite foods in your diet if you're trying to lose weight. In fact, research has shown that being more flexible in your nutritional choices might help you lose weight. This is great news, demonstrating that your favorite sweets can be part of a balanced diet. For instance, flexibility may mean eating dessert at a restaurant, eating a piece or two of chocolate after lunch, or making your favorite pasta dish for dinner.