Cheat Meals

Cheat Meals: we love them. We live for them... but sometimes they leave us feeling regret and discomfort. We’re all human, including us at Fitness Habits. In fact, before I found my passion for health, I was an avid baker. I was baking so much I made myself business cards and toured culinary schools. That being said, my sweet tooth is my down fall… and well, maybe pizza too. But enough about me! I’m here to tell you there are ways to make cheat meals work for your body and mind. In fact, I think they’re essential to living a healthy, balanced life.

Following a healthy diet, isn’t as cut and dry as it looks. It isn’t a limited life to grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. It’s moderation, balance, and habits. Every diet ESPECIALLY needs balance. I tell everyone that if you constantly restrict yourself, you’re eventually going to binge and once you’re on that path, it’s tough to get off it. So how do you stay balanced and maintain health during cheat meals?

They should be indulgent, but they should still follow some sort of balance. Craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger? Trade the customary side of fries for a salad. Want a pizza night? Go for it, but fill up on a salad or antipasto before you dig into that cheesy goodness. Ice cream during the summer? Um, YES, but pair the scoop or two of ice cream with fresh berries and banana slices. Cheat meals are about hitting those cravings without leaving you feeling like you dug yourself a hole you’ll never climb out of.

It’s also important to remember that these aren’t restricted to once or even twice a week. They’re based on you and your life, what you’re craving, and when you’re craving it. That being said, if it’s an average Wednesday night and you can’t get Wing Wednesday out of your mind, please go and satisfy that in moderation. I promise, if you follow rules like this, you won’t feel like you are constantly dieting and eating clean won’t be a hassle; it’ll just be a habit!