Cheat meals serve a purpose. Simply put, they “mix up your metabolism” and revv it up. But what happens when a cheat meal turns into a cheat day? Here’s how to prevent that from happening..
1.) PLAN AHEAD! Know where you’re going, when you’re going, & what you plan on eating. This will help keep you focused on the fact that it’s one single meal & not a cheat day.
2.) DRINK WATER. I make sure to drink at least two bottles (or glasses) right before my cheat meal. It will give you that “full feeling” and prevent you from overindulging!
3.) CHEAT MEAL IN THE EVENING. Personally, this works best for me. I stick to my diet 100% all day, & go out for my cheat meal around 5-6 p.m. I’m not saying that you have to eat your cheat meal at this time, but I’ve found that when I do, I’m so full that I don’t want anything else to eat, & it’s easy to jump right back on my diet at my next meal. I’ve done cheat meals in the morning/mid-day before, & I found that throughout the rest of the day, I was craving foods that were off my meal plan. It just doesn’t work for me! Find what time of the day works best for you, & stick to it!
4.) EAT SLOW! I can’t stress this enough. First off, your body is not used to “junk food” if you’ve been following a clean diet. That being said, it will not take much to reach that point of fullness. Remember, your “eyes are bigger than your stomach”. Just because it’s on your plate, doesn’t mean you have to eat it! Once you’re full, stop yourself from eating more by telling yourself “that was a good cheat meal, but I can’t wait to have my clean food again.” Remember why it is you eat clean!
5.) WORKOUT BEFORE YOUR CHEAT MEAL. This will deplete glycogen storage, allowing your body more room for calories in muscle cells rather than fat cells. You’re metabolism will be primed and ready to take in the nutrients, causing you to burn it off quicker.
6.) ENJOY IT! One cheat meal will not kill you. Like I said earlier, it serves a purpose. One bad meal won’t kill you just like one good meal won’t make you lean. It’s part of the process, & my Coach incorporates weekly cheat meals into my diet even during contest prep. Relax, don’t freak out, & enjoy it.. it’s a reward for all that hard work in the gym!
These are simple, yet effective cheat meal tips. It’s all about planning ahead! And remember, if it fits your macros, it’s not a cheat!😉