Treat Days vs Cheat Days
Jul 12, 2023First off, let's clarify the difference between a treat day and a cheat day.
A cheat day is typically associated with indulging in any and all foods, without any regard for portion sizes or nutritional content. It's seen as a way to "reward" yourself for being "good" the rest of the week. However, this mentality can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and a cycle of guilt and restriction. It typically comes along with the feeling that you are being “bad” for not having enough willpower or straying from a list of acceptable foods.
On the other hand, a treat day is a balanced approach to enjoying foods that you may not normally have in your daily nutrition plan. It's not about binging or overindulging, but rather allowing yourself to enjoy a moderate amount of your favorite treats in a way that supports your overall wellness goals.
I believe in the power of balance and sustainability when it comes to wellness. This isn’t about “cheating" on your nutrition or punishing yourself for enjoying your favorite foods.
Instead, I encourage my clients to incorporate treat days into their weekly meal plan as a way to maintain a healthy relationship with food and avoid the negative cycle of guilt and restriction. A treat day can help you stay on track with your nutrition plan by satisfying cravings and preventing feelings of deprivation, while also allowing you to enjoy the social and cultural aspects of food without sacrificing your progress.
Even better?
At the FASTer Way we’re all about working out and eating SMARTER not harder or smaller. Your treat goes to good use by your body, because we strategically pair our treat days with a high-drive leg workout to use those extra calories and carbs for ultimate lean muscle building power.
That means you can enjoy delicious foods that you love AND tone up your body like never before!
The Importance of a Balanced Treat Day
Having a structured treat day can have numerous benefits for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For one, it can improve adherence to a healthy eating plan by preventing feelings of deprivation and the urge to overindulge. A balanced treat day can also help to reduce stress and anxiety around food choices and allow for a more flexible and enjoyable approach to eating - yes, you CAN go out to dinner without feeling a lick of guilt!
Additionally, indulging in moderation can have positive psychological benefits, such as improving mood and reducing the risk of binge eating. It can also help to establish a healthier relationship with food and prevent feelings of worry or shame around eating. Overall, incorporating a balanced treat day into your nutrition plan can support your long-term health and wellness goals.
Time to taste the deliciousness of success like never before!
Foods To Enjoy on A Treat Day
The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is balance, and that includes allowing for food flexibility in your eating habits. The FASTer Way to Fat Loss not only understands this concept, but encourages clients to implement it as their treat day rather than labeling it as a cheat day.
So, what are some delicious treats to enjoy on a treat day? Well, the possibilities are endless! You can indulge in a tasty donut, or a delicious burger. The key is to enjoy these treats in moderation and to not let them consume your entire day.
If you're someone who is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to remember that one treat day won't derail your progress. In fact, it can actually help to boost your metabolism and keep your body from plateauing.
So, go ahead and indulge in your favorite on your next treat day. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and to get back on track with your healthy habits the following day.
Remember, food freedom is all about balance and enjoying the journey, not just the destination.
How To Enjoy Treats Without Guilt
Indulging in moderation is key to enjoying treats without guilt. Mindful eating techniques, such as savoring each bite and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, can help prevent overindulging. It's also important to balance treat days with healthy eating habits, such as incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated. Planning ahead and setting limits on the amount of treats you'll consume can also help to prevent excessive indulging. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy your favorite treats without feeling guilty or sacrificing your progress towards a healthy lifestyle.
In case you missed it, my Taste it Tuesday this past Tuesday in my F Words Community showed a healthy French Fry. Let me know if you give it a try.