Cheat Day?!

If you have a healthy, varied and nutritious diet, cheat days are unnecessary. Your diet shouldn't be so restricted that you need a cheat day at all!

I'm 3 weeks into my health journey and I'm feeling great. I shouldn't really say 3 weeks because I started making changes to my diet months ago, but nothing has been as effective as my current diet...and I use 'diet' very loosely because I'm not dieting. I eat a mostly vegan diet and only have fish or meat occasionally. My dairy intake is very low to non-existent, simply because it doesn't become me and I don't digest it very well. Especially milk makes my skin break out and causes bloating. (TMI??)

Anyway, I'm rambling again, one of my very favorite things to do in the world!

I read an article on popsugar.com today about the benefits of 'Cheat Days' to achieve a certain body goal, be it weight or health, or athletic ability. Having a cheat day can help you stay on track and stay focused in the long run. For some people that might work....for me, it never ever would.

Evidence #1

Last week, I bought a pack of Oreo cookies which are now vegan. I feel amazing with my new 'diet' and workout routine and thought I'd be able to have two cookies as a snack and leave it at that. My biggest problem is regulating my intake of sweets which is why I never have them in the house. Problem solved!

Let's just say, I wasn't strong enough to withstand the call of the Oreo. They are just too delicious, and even though I don't want to eat them, I've never been someone to stop at one cookie, that's why I'm here in the first place. Cookies are my kryptonyte, they get me every time which is why I never ever have them. Ever!! Back to the Oreos, well, there weren't any left after only 2 days. 'Nuff said!

I have gotten to know myself better these last few months and I know that I can't do Cheat Days. I go overboard and it is incredibly hard for me to get back to that focused and disciplined stage where I easily regulate what I eat without having to count calories or starving myself, but still being healthy and energetic. If you can't live without your favorite 'unhealthy' dish or snack, here is what I recommend:

1.) Keep it to one meal only - don't make a full day of it, but restrict yourself to one meal and have that meal outside of your house! Do not make the unhealthy snack or dish readily available in your home so you can go back for seconds. Go out to a restaurant and treat yourself with your favorite food, but don't have an unlimited amount lying around to binge on!

2.) Find an alternative! Since I can't do the cheat days because they'd turn into a cheat week, I try to find healthy alternatives for my favorite foods. I switched to dark chocolate for example. I know, it'll never taste as good as milk chocolate, be as creamy or sweet. It takes some getting used to, but I've really come to like it and it hits the spot when I really need it. I went from eating a piece every day, to a few times a week. Instead of ice cream, I blend together frozen banana and berries to make a home made fruit-based but very delicious and creamy ice cream alternative. It satisfies me and my craving without going for the real thing. 

My favorite brand of dark chocolate is actually from Aldi (plain 70% on the left, dark chocolate with almonds on the right)

Let me know your thoughts on Cheat Days, whether they are part of your routine or a no go. I'd love to know!