You cheated in your fifth-grade math class, during Monopoly with your brother, and possibly on that pathetic excuse for a boyfriend you had in college.
So what.
Cheating gets a bad rap, but believe it or not, doing it responsibly (on your diet, not your new husband) can be the thing that saves it.
Cheating allows you to take control of your eating, rather than feeling controlled and restricted by it. In the same way that an overbearing relationship makes you wanna bop your hot co-worker, being rigid with food usually leads to a guilty binge. You know you’re gonna do it, so here are some ways to do it right:
Make it a Meal, Not a Day
I know many people believe in full cheat days, but to me, they don’t make much sense. If I’m following a diet perfectly, and then let loose one day, I can really do some damage (1,200 calories a day for six days and then a 4,000-calorie nacho and margarita-fueled Sunday Funday).
Oh, the regret.
By limiting your cheats to a meal or two per week, you can reduce the possibility of bingeing. You can also more easily work two cheat meals into your social calendar, so you don’t feel like an outcast when you’re on a first date with that new hottie from spin class who suggests a post-workout Frappuccino (oh wait, that was you) .
Schedule Your Cheats
By scheduling your cheats in advance, you’re more likely to choose wisely – kinda like packing your lunch before work so as to avoid the burrito truck around noon (and then again at 3). If you decide after the second martini that tonight seems like a great time to have a cheat meal, you’re likely to completely lose your shit and eat everything. But if you plan ahead, you’ll probably make better choices leading up to that meal by counterbalancing it with healthy picks.
Savor the Cheat
Since the idea of the cheat meals is satisfaction, really choose something you’ve been craving – and savor it. Take your time to enjoy that slice of pizza or garlic-feta fries. Those memories will help you power through your salad at lunch tomorrow.
Everything in Moderation
By allowing yourself the cheat meals every few days, you’ll be encouraging moderation. A terrible binge day will probably make you feel crappy if you’ve generally been eating clean, whereas some yummy pasta and glass of wine at lunch will leave you feeling satisfied – and hopefully a little buzzed.
Cheating, gals, helps you have a healthier, happier relationship with food, since nothing will really be off limits. Tell that to your man the next time he catches you wallpapering your computer desktop with Matt Damon pics.
Monogamy be damned.
Lori Kenyon, Certified Nutrition Coach
Former corporate attorney and maste
r of the loop-hole, in 2010, Lori co-founded the kick-ass raw organic juice company, Ritual Wellness. Lori now spends her time producing a healthy alternative to chemical- ridden, nutrient-void drinks in the market, and writing to help educate people about healthy food choices.
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