BLOG 133 CHEAT MEAL
Restriction and rules can lead to the human nature act of
defiance. When Mom said don’t touch the stove it’s hot, well, you had to find
out the truth for yourself right?? On our fitness journeys, sometimes having a
cheat meal is our sense of sanity for the week. Our relationship with food is
coming to terms Sunday through Friday because Saturday it’s time to eat we
want. Having something to look forward to means there is light at the end of
the tunnel. But there is quite the debate when it comes to your cheat, so let’s
take a look.
A cheat meal is a reward for your exercise, clean eating,
and hard work. Sacrificing for better choices is a great achievement and you
want to recognize this behavior so that you are motivated to continue. Fear of
burning out from relentless restriction is a common occurrence. Many people
find themselves in an all or nothing state of mind, others use moderation in
their approach, and some workout just to eat and maintain. No matter your
tactic on your fitness journey, understand that a cheat meal can be abused and
if you ate poorly twice already this week, do you really think you should have
a cheat meal?? Here’s the bottom line: “People of all sizes and fitness levels
can successfully implement cheat strategies, but self-evaluation is a must.
Consider your fitness goals, your day-to-day eating habits, and your previous
dieting success or failure. These factors impact how -- and, more importantly,
IF -- you can cheat” (http://www.livestrong.com/article/542505-the-art-and-science-of-cheat-meals/).
A cheat meal is not to be confused with a cheat day. Having
an entire day or junk can undo the entire week’s work. For some, this cheat can
become a binge. All self-control is lost with the intent to get back on it the
following day. Or you might find yourself going overboard. Let’s say pizza is
the pleasure of choice and instead of having 2-3 slices, your cheat is an
entire pizza. You have eaten to the point of bloat and discomfort making that
one cheat worth it’s max – go big or go home. And this really doesn’t make for
a positive relationship with food. In fact rewarding yourself with food, is
confusing your mind. But I get it a cheat doesn’t feel right if it’s limited.
For myself, I have to error on the side of caution. I know
that I can eat until I feel sick because that cheat is so few and far in
between. But at this point, I know the next day is so miserable I have to be
mindful of what I pick, how much I have, and when I have it (way late at night
means no sleep). My relationship with food has to be structured or else I do
falter and overeat. We are our own worse enemies. No one is forcing that food
down your throat. So find the approach that works for you, but most
importantly, make your non-cheat days solid and on point.
No comments:
Post a Comment