Cheat Day The Right Way
One thing that you must know about me is that I am not one for a rigid eating plan. It’s just not me. My personal philosophy for a healthy lifestyle is this: figure out what works for you and do it. If you can’t figure it out, seek the assistance of someone who can push you in the right direction. So with that being said, the title of this post may be a little misleading. I myself do not do cheat days. I have gotten to the point where I know what to eat 95% of the time and if I just want something different I do it - in moderation, of course. And, if I do it you better know that I am going to make it worth it.
That didn’t stop me from doing a little research in order to get a little background on both the benefits and disadvantages of including cheat days in your plan. It seems as though small and short periods of overeating can help you boost your metabolism as well as have positive effects on hormone levels but, how does it affect us mentally? As Dr. Melanie Greenberg, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Mill Valley, CA, explains, “Ultimately, you have to find something that will work for [the long-run]. It’s not what you can do — it’s what you can keep up.” With that being said, if your dietary restrictions require you to rely on your “cheat days” to get you through the week then maybe, just maybe, that approach may not be sustainable for the long run. In my opinion, there is no point in crash dieting or creating lifestyle changes that you do not plan to maintain because as soon as you shift back to your old habits, all of that work you have done previously is in vain. Not only does your body physically revert back to your old habits, internally you will begin to feel the change in terms of what you are using to fuel your body. So, what healthy lifestyle changes can you maintain for the long run? What about instead of ordering your pizza you create your own healthy alternative at home? That chocolate shake you get everyday on your way home from work? Replace it with a smoothie that is reminiscent of a shake at Braums. Yup, it can actually get that good!
Then, there are those times when you just have to get what you want and not feel any way about it. Otherwise you tend to indulge in everything except for the thing you have really been craving. That’s a bit counterproductive, don’t you think?
Sweets are one of my weaknesses so when I am having a sugar craving (which normally is about once a month) I make my way to Milk n’Cream in Dallas, Texas for a warm glazed donut filled with ice cream. I promise you it is as good as it sounds! With several ice cream options and cereal combinations you can mix and match so that each visit feels like your first experience. My favorite is hands down the ‘Cookie Monster’ and each time I visit I leave in a guilt- free sugar coma!
This isn’t a place where you go to sit and catch up with friends, seeing as though the space at the Dallas location is very limited. But, it serves it’s purpose which is to provide you with an amazing sweet treat that is unique in it’s design and taste. Don’t worry if you aren’t one for ice cream with your doughnuts - you can also indulge in a cone or a cup but. for my dallas peeps and those making plans to visit Dallas soon, I definitely suggest that you add this to your stop!
So, what’s your take on cheat days/meals? When you do indulge what are some of your favorite eateries and or meals to partake in? Let us know!
You May Also Like
