On paper, at least, eating healthy isn't rocket science. We all know we should eat less pizza, burritos, burgers, chips and ice cream, and more vegetables, fruits, lean meats and fish. Pizza especially is a big temptation for many people, and it's easy to eat beyond the point when you're full if you only have a slice or two left in the box.
However, there's no need to feel guilty if you do fall prey to overindulgence and cheat on your diet a bit. One study has found the human body is very good at coping with one-off over-indulgence.
The study, published by researchers at the University of Bath, looked at the metabolism's response to occasional overeating. They found young, healthy men (aged between 22 and 37) consumed almost twice as much pizza when pushing beyond their usual limits, doubling their calorie intake. However, they managed to keep the amount of nutrients in the bloodstream within a "normal" range.
Lead researcher Aaron Hengist said: "We all know the long-term risks of over-indulgence with food when it comes to obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
"We know much less about some of the immediate effects 'all you can eat' places on the body. Our findings show that the body actually copes remarkably well when faced with a massive and sudden calorie excess."
The body can avoid detrimental effects after occasional overeating. However, the key word here is "occasional". This is an all-you-can eat trial with healthy participants, and doing this too much will normalise overeating. Of course, regular overeating leads to a variety of problems related to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Professor james Betts of Bath University said: "The main problem with overeating is that it adds more stored energy to our bodies (in the form of fat), which can culminate in obesity if you overeat day after day.
"However, this study shows that if an otherwise healthy person overindulges occasionally, for example eating a large buffet meal or Christmas lunch, then there are no immediate negative consequences in terms of losing metabolic control."
There's plenty of dietary tricks to help you avoid overeating. For example, you could try drinking water before every meal, or intermittent fasting to limit your calorie intake.
Liked this?
Matt Evans is an experienced health and fitness journalist and Staff Writer at Fit&Well. He's previously written for titles like Men's Health, and covers all things exercise and nutrition on the Fit&Well website.
Matt originally discovered exercise through martial arts: he holds a black belt in Karate and remains a keen kickboxer and runner. His top fitness tip? Stretch.
-
-
The lifestyle changes you need to make to banish high blood pressure over 50
Seniors Less sitting, more walking and getting back to nature can tank age-related high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
By Matt Evans •
-
How the Wattbike Atom smart bike can help you smash your 2021 goals
Sponsored Experience the outdoors indoors with the innovative and reactive indoor trainer
By Howard Calvert •
-
What time of day should you be eating protein – breakfast or dinner?
Nutrition When we eat can be almost as important as what we eat, as protein improves more muscle in the morning than at night
By Matt Evans •
-
Plant-based diets cut menopause hot flashes by 84%, study finds
Nutrition A low fat plant-based diet, which also included soy, helped to alleviate symptoms
By Sarah Finley •
-
The biggest health risk to the over 40s has been revealed as high-risk drinking
Nutrition A new British study has found 35% of over-40s have two or more serious health conditions
By Matt Evans •
-
What's the healthiest way to cook your eggs? We look at the research to find out
Nutrition How do you like your eggs in the morning? This is how eggs should be cooked for healthy eating
By Matt Evans •
-
These insect-based breakfasts are super healthy - but would you eat them?
Nutrition The alternative meals include a cricket breakfast smoothie and mealworm granola
By Sarah Finley •
-
Love coffee? You could be increasing your risk of osteoporosis
Nutrition Post-menopausal women and teenagers are amongst those most at risk, according to a new study
By Sarah Finley •
-
Revealed: How Catherine Zeta-Jones stays fit and healthy in her 50s
Fitness The Hollywood star maintains glowing skin and a trim, toned physique through diet and exercise - here's how...
By Sarah Finley •
-
Four meals a day diet plan: how an extra serving can actually help you lose weight
Weight Loss Eat and extra meal a day and still lose weight with our calorie-controlled four meals a day diet plan
By Fit&Well •
