The Cheat Meal Controversy

Hey guys! Back again!

I actually put a lot of thought into this post, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

So... that dreaded (and sometimes welcomed) term "cheat meal"... well, it's no secret that I don't like it. The term 'cheat' has a negative connotation attached to it. When someone 'cheats' on their spouse, it's  a bad thing. When someone 'cheats' on an exam, it's a bad thing. So why does 'cheating' on your diet have to be a bad thing? It doesn't.

(Source)

If I had a penny for every time I heard a girl (or a guy, to be realistic) say, "OMG so I had a little bite of this really fatty pizza last night. I'm going to die and get FAT," let's be honest, I'd be one rich son of a gun. 

I am so sorry, but I can't help but do some major eye-rolling at this. It's quite frankly annoying. God forbid you eat something you enjoy once in awhile, and automatically that's a bad thing? I don't think so. If you've been going really hard on your diet throughout the week, have been consistent with your workouts, and want a treat then why the heck not?! Some say it may totally destroy your progress but it honestly depends on the individual. It truly does.

And no, I don't consider a 'cheat' something like a cup of frozen yogurt or a few bites of dark chocolate. And for goodness sake, let's call it a treat from now on, okay? Personally, although fro-yo has added sugar and whatever, I still think it's a 'safe' food used as a treat but it's really not. Unless you get like 5 swirls of fro-yo with every topping imaginable on it, not just FRUIT and raw nuts, I may consider it. And dark chocolate?! REALLY?! Dark chocolate has many health benefits. Why is that a treat?!

Now hear me out, I understand this concept is very different when circumstances do not permit. For example, bodybuilding competitors absolutely must adhere to a diet plan and not divert from that to get that completely shredded body on stage. And some people have serious food allergies (darn you, gluten and dairy!) that prevents them from going out to Panda Express and eating orange chicken and chow mein noodles to their hearts desire. I understand this.

Chady Dunmore has TWO cheat meals a week because it works for her. (Source)

But to the normal individual, why is it so bad that you want to go out to a restaurant one night a week, have a big meal of whatever, and get back on the bandwagon the next day? It's not a crime. Depending on the person, it's not going to explode all of your fitness goals. In fact, I find that it's both physically and most importantly psychologically freeing.

Just remember where you are in your fitness journey. If you have quite a few pounds to lose, than you may not want to go overboard on the treats. If you're in really good shape, eat a bowl of pasta! Seriously, douse that plate in marinara sauce. Do it. 

The other night, THIS was my treat meal, except I wasn't even thinking about it being a 'treat meal.' In my mind, all food I consume is a meal, whether I am eating raw veggies or a brownie. It's food. Some may be 'better' for you, some may not be. So what. 

Cracker Barrel buttermilk pancakes with butter, pure maple syrup, and BACON. Nom. I also had some (unpictured) pumpkin custard with pumpkin whipped cream and a gingersnap cookie. TO. DIE. FOR.

For me, it's natural to want to eat 'healthy' on the daily, however I was out and about with my family and we wanted pancakes... so we went. I didn't freak out about how 'fat' I would get. I enjoyed my time with my family, laughed my booty off, and went home. Didn't feel the need to do 'extra cardio', didn't have an urge to go to the gym ASAP. I had a happy tummy and I was ready to hit the hay. 

My point is, 'bad' foods are not an absolute no-no. There is a time and place for them. Perhaps not everyday, but once in awhile. Don't restrict yourself from your favorite foods because you believe your fit lifestyle forbids it. It doesn't. And even if you have food allergies or whatnot, there are so many great gluten free, dairy free, nut free, everything-causing-allergies free foods out there, like CAKE. Nom. :)

I know some people may sound off on this, and some may quite possibly disagree with me. But I'm not going to sugar-coat my opinion to please everyone. YOU DON'T HAVE TO EAT CLEAN 100%. That is my advice for the day. ;) Have a great day and week!

Questions: What's your opinion on 'cheat meals'? Agree or disagree? 

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