Friday nights are the most difficult time for those of us dieting, a recent survey has revealed. The poll, hosted by Lineaslim Effervescent Tablets, revealed that 8pm on Friday evenings was the time when British women struggle the most to resist temptation.
Over a third of women interviewed admitted that they used the weekend as an excuse to take a break from their weight loss programmes, with takeaways and fast food being two of the biggest temptations.
Dietician Helen Bond reveals the disadvantages of using the weekend as an excuse for unhealthy eating. "If you have spent five weekdays saving 500 calories a day, a total of 2500, but then eat an additional 2000 calories on Friday night and Saturday, you will not lose weight and it may actually contribute to weight gain," she adds. With nearly a quarter of British women constantly being on a diet, it can prove difficult to resist temptation, creating a vicious circle as giving in to unhealthy foods can have negative effects on their motivation to lose weight.
Check out our top tips for resisting temptation during your diet: Don't put too much pressure on yourself: This can be just as detrimental as not dieting at all. It's important to get the right balance for your well-being.
Make a shopping list: Make a list of healthy foods you like, and make sure your weekend meals include lots of them.
Get moral support: Exercising with a friend or joining a slimming group at the weekend can help you stay motivated.
Weigh yourself every Monday morning: Weighing yourself straight after the weekend could be a great incentive for sticking to your diet.
Stay hydrated: If you drink lots of tea and coffee at work during the week, you might drink less at the weekend and mistake your thirst signals for hunger, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
Rethink the Sunday roast menu: A great Sunday roast doesn't need to be full of calories. Cook lean cuts of meat, removing any visible fat, and pile your plate with lots of veggies. This will make for a high protein meal that will fill you up.Find out which exercises will work best to tone specific parts of your body here:
