Sometimes it happens. A few friends come over, no one feels like cooking and all of sudden a bunch pizzas magically get delivered. You tell yourself just one or two slices, but you end up losing count and before you know it, you are uncomfortably stuffed. It’s okay. Gather up all of the greasy empty boxes, throw it away and move on. Don’t beat yourself up. According to science, consuming a large number of calories every once in a while is not that bad for you.
Researchers from the University of Bath recently conducted a study on overindulging and found there are no health problems associated with overeating. Keep in mind, this is only true if the act of overeating only happens every once in a while. But if a person eats twice their limit on a daily basis, this will put them at risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Now if the act of stuffing one’s self is a special occasion such as thanksgiving, or a birthday party, then the body has shown to recover quite gracefully. Researchers compared the levels of fat and sugar in the blood of those who consumed a small meal and of those who ate double their limit, there was only a slight difference.
So in other words, it is okay to put on your stretchy pants and eat more than you should every once in a while. It will not hinder your progress. Scientists warn against overeating every day. According to the research, the problem with overeating is that it adds stored energy which can contribute to obesity.
Source: Study Finds, Cambridge, Bath