CHEAT vs CHOICE
Pros and Cons
You’ve probably heard this term before…
The idea is that by allowing yourself to “cheat” on your diet one day a week… you’ll be more likely to stick to it.
The Word CHEAT itself is a negative… Lets talk in terms of “CHOICE”
This is thought to help you maintain your healthy diet long-term — and lose weight at a steady rate.
But do cheat days actually work?
Or is better to be consistent and stick to a healthy diet 24/7?
Well, the short answer is: It depends.
Many people find that a day of indulgence is essential to maintaining a healthy diet.
(In fact, you may remember a certain pro-wrestler who famously indulged in some ENORMOUS cheat meals every Sunday — after restricting himself all week, of course.)
But many people find that cheat days are merely an excuse to over-indulge…
And that they actually lead to weight GAIN in the long run.
So… how do you know if it’s right for you?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of cheat days — so you can decide for yourself whether it’s the right choice.
The Pros:
- Helps you stick with your diet, since you’re not fully restricting yourself
- Makes you more aware of the “CHOICES” you’re making
- Feels like a fun, rewarding way to treat yourself once a week
The Cons:
- Easy to over-indulge (and turn into a “cheat week” or a “cheat month”)
- Can be a “shock” to your digestive system — leading to discomfort and sluggishness
- May be difficult for you to get back on track
Remember though — when it comes to weight loss, everyone is different.
The most important thing is determining what works best for YOU. So be sure to ask yourself:
Will an occasional indulgence help me stay on track towards my health goals… or will it derail my goals completely?
If you find that an occasional splurge IS helpful… here’s a simple, sustainable way to stay on track:
Instead of having a cheat day… have a “Choice” meal.
Treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream after dinner on Friday nights… or have a slice of cheese pizza if you feel like ordering take-out.
And if you find that a “CHOICE” meal is a bit too much…
Make it a “Choice” ingredient!
Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese over the top of your salad — or pour some flavored creamer into your morning coffee.
The key step here is that you do what’s best for YOU — so don’t be afraid to treat yourself every now and then. 🙂
Whatever you choose, know that I totally have your back…
And I’m here with you every step of the way!
To Your Health!