Many people understand the concept that in order to lose weight, they need to reduce the number of calories they take in. In fact, this is the basis of almost every weight loss diet. Of course, there are other things you can do to lose weight or off-set poor dietary habits, such as increasing the number of calories you burn; however, a healthy lifestyle will require both good eating habits and regular exercise.

The problem most people have with this formula is that they see it as an all or nothing type of situation, but this is not necessary. Everyone enjoys a break now and then. This break can be in the form of taking a day off from your regular exercise regimen or even indulging in a special treat. The question that arises for most people is simply – how often can I have a donut and still feel good about myself?

While this may be about an occasional donut, chips or even skipping a workout, the real issue is in addressing the frequency. Enjoying a donut on occasion is not going to have detrimental effects on your diet or general health. The key is to indulge in these treats in moderation. In fact, when you allow yourself an occasional pleasurable treat, you can help reduce the chances of cravings with can lead to binging. If you like donuts, it is unrealistic to tell yourself that you will never have one again.

Learn to use moderation as your guide and choose your indulgences wisely. Plan ahead for a snack or treat and you will have something special to look forward to. Give yourself permission to enjoy life and food, but use moderation and sound judgment. In fact, if you plan on having a delicious treat, you can even try to off-set it some by increasing your workout for that day.