Can You Really Have a Cheat Day in Your Diet?
By Genevieve Cunningham
When you're on a mission to change your health, one of the first things we look at is diet. We are what we eat, and so eating the right foods is a key aspect of improving both health and fitness level. Luckily, most diet plans come with a cheat day. A day when you can eat whatever you want and indulge your cravings. A day that makes all of the other days worth it. Of course, you have to wonder whether these cheat days are actually OK. Do they set us back? Do they keep us from reaching out goals? If you're unsure about whether or not to use your cheat day, take a look at the healthiest way to cheat on your diet.
It Might Be Better to Have a Cheat Meal
A lot of current research suggests that a cheat meal might be better than a cheat day. So you'll eat really well all week long, and then for one glorious meal, you'll binge on whatever you want. But as soon as that meal is over, you'll get back to business. So why is this better? First, it lowers the number of calories that you're likely to take in on a cheat day. But it can also lower your mental stress over cheat days. If you know it's just one meal, you'll eat all you want, and then stop worrying about it since the binge session was short, sweet, and to the point.
Cheat Days are Scheduled in Advance
One of the most important things about cheat days is that they should be scheduled well in advance. If you don't schedule it, you're more likely to give in on more than one day per week. If you have a big event or special occasion coming up, plan it. If you want to eat out with friends on a particular day, make that your cheat day. If you plan ahead, it's easier to stay on track whether you have a cheat day or not.
You Can't Go Completely Wild
Even if you opt for a total day of cheating on your diet, it's important not to go completely wild. Eat some foods that you're not supposed to, but don't consume thousands of calories more than what you should. You'll be setting yourself way back! Instead, eat too much, eat some junk, eat your favorites. But keep moderation in mind so that you don't undo all of your hard work.
Cheat days are totally fine. In fact, they can be good for you! Just make sure that you do it in a healthy and productive way. Keep these tips in mind when planning your next cheat day and you'll be well on your way to better health in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Castle Rock, Colo.