If you’re on a diet, it’s probably a restrictive one. You’re sticking to your chosen plan, hoping for the same thing as everyone else, quick results that give you the motivation to keep going. The idea is to stay committed until you finally reach your goal.
In a previous post, I’m sure I explained why a diet isn’t a permanent solution. In fact, losing weight is secondary! The real goal is to make changes to your eating habits and activity level until they become a lifestyle. For example, take avocado, such a healthy food. It seems like a no-brainer to include it in your diet, right? Well, I don’t like avocados! But since I understand the benefits of this amazing fruit, I’m training my taste buds and slowly adding it to my meals. Now I can eat a quarter of an avocado without any problem. This way, you’re learning new choices that are good for you while letting go of the ones that aren’t.
Wait a second… all this talk and not a single mention of Cheat Day. Let’s dive into that now. A Cheat Day is simply a day when you indulge in foods that are outside your regular diet.
The question is… How important is it? Do we need it at all? Can it work for everybody?
First, who is it for? It’s for people who can use it as a reward system. For example, if you hit your 10-pound goal this month, you get to enjoy a cheat day with up to three slices (slices, not pies!) of your favorite pizza. If that’s something you can look forward to with excitement, then a Cheat Day of Pizza is perfect for you.
Can it be any kind of food? Let me give an example. I plan to schedule a Cheat Day with the same 10-pound goal, and my cheat food is donuts. WRONG! That’s not a good choice. Why? Because donuts were the junk food that pushed me over the edge, like drugs to a junkie, booze to an alcoholic, or cigarettes to a smoker. Plus, donuts are ranked among the worst foods on the planet. Unlike pizza, the toll on your body is just too high.
Not everyone needs or benefits from a cheat day. If you don’t miss foods that aren’t part of your diet and feel better sticking to healthier choices, just keep it up and move forward.
Ok, to finish this post, I will include something that I saw online in more than one place. The 5 Rules of a Cheat Day.
To be honest, I don’t like #4. I will stay with Cheat Days for very special occasions. Or better yet, if you don’t need a Cheat Day, better.
I will see you on the next post.
THE HETA BLOG 