Can I lose weight and still have a cheat day?
Q: I have often heard people who watch their diet and get into good shape can still have a day to eat whatever they want without gaining any weight back. Is this true or is this just another diet myth? If so, what is the philosophy behind it? How can adding a cheat day help my program if I’m actually eating more food?
A: Adding a cheat day to your program can be an excellent way to keep your body off balance and your metabolism burning strong. Here are some reasons why I like to add it to my routine.
Shock your metabolism
Believe it or not, taking a day and eating the calorie-rich foods you love can be a great way to kick your metabolic engine into high gear and force your body to burn fat. You see, eating too strictly for long periods of time will cause your body to conserve calories and can slow weight loss to a snail’s pace, but adding one cheat day a week to your routine will keep your body guessing and restart your metabolism. Think of it as hitting the breaker switch on your electrical box. When you turn it back on, power is restored and you’re back in business.
Take a break
Give yourself mental breaks and you’ll stay fresh and hungry for more progress. We all need to recharge our batteries now and then, and if you deprive yourself for too long you’re likely to snap and binge.
Why not strategically set aside one day a week to get it out of your system, and you’ll be ready to jump right back on the wagon. Remember, it’s important to understand that eating healthy is a lifestyle, not a crash diet, so allow yourself to have fun every once in a while and you’ll appreciate your favorite foods much more.
Reward yourself
I always tell my clients you have to pay to play, so if you want to have a day to eat whatever you want, you must work hard all week to earn it. Make sure you weight train, do cardio and eat right during the week so that your body will capable of burning off the extra calories, and then enjoy your cheat day and start the process all over again.
Find balance
Find the correct balance between fitness and obsession, and you’ll be more likely to stay with the program. Just about anyone can commit to getting in better shape for short periods of time, but the key to staying consistent is finding that middle ground and not burning yourself out.
Remember, all work and no play makes you a dull person, and if you don’t take time off from working and eating healthy, chances are you won’t stay with it. Remember, adding a cheat day works much better once you get in shape and your metabolism is working the way it’s supposed to. I don’t suggest it for those who are just getting started and have a lot of weight to lose, but rather for those who are trying to maintain or lose those last couple pounds to reach their target weight.
