Food: The cheat day

Everybody cheats. Well at least most do on a diet. Often people assume that because I always talk about health and fitness that my diet is perfect all of the time however, that is not the case. I have a day or so where I do not eat perfectly and that’s ok. I once ordered French fries while out with friends and they gave me a shocked look like “Your going to eat that?” I am human like everyone else and while I do enjoy eating healthy most of the time I allow myself a break from time to time.

So how do you manage your cheat day? That is the hard part. In my former obese life I would let one cheat day turn into a month of cheating and over eating. Typically Saturday or Sunday I indulge so my biggest tricks to managing a cheat day as follows:

• Get rid of the evidence. If you cooked something unhealthy then give people goodie bags or bring the leftovers to work. If you ordered out and have leftovers then you might have to throw it away. As painful as that may sound it works!

• Break down your ideal cheat day over the course of a week. One splurge breakfast, lunch and dinner spread out over the week doesn’t make a big impact

• End your cheat day with a healthy choice like a piece of fruit or a raw juice this way the final meal on your pallet is a healthy one.

• Keep your eyes on the Prize. While it is ok to splurge once in a while you are more likely to stay on track if you SEE reminders of your health goal all around you. Place photos on the fridge, set reminders on your phone or hang a big sign in your room indicating your goal.

So allow yourself to indulge from time to time, just don’t let a cheat day turn you into a cheater. Happy Eating!