You Can Get Back On Track After A Cheat Day
We have all been there at one time or another. We devoured that bowl of ice cream last night like there was no tomorrow. And then, to add insult to injury, we are now sitting in the drive-through line at McDonalds' ordering a Big Mac and a large fry. What have we done?
First off, don't panic. It happens to the best of us. It's perfectly normal. Did you honestly think you would never eat ice cream or fries again? Did you? Seriously? It's not the end of the world. You indulged in a treat for yourself. Okay, maybe a few treats. But pick yourself up and move on. And don't punish yourself by being extra restrictive. It's okay. Really it is. Remember, 'everything in moderation.'
Tips For Getting Back On Track-
If you also took a few days off exercise. Get back to it! Get on that treadmill. Start your morning with a walk around your neighborhood. A morning walk can help set the tone for the rest of your day.
You may have made a few bad food choices. So now you focus on added fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Drink your water. Drinking lots of water can help flush out the added salt and sugar you consumed during your cheat day.
Learn from your mistakes. Plan your eating ahead of time. Carry healthy snacks with you. Planning can help avoid those trips through the drive-through.
Start your day off with a healthy, filling breakfast. One of my favorites is oatmeal with walnuts and some flaxseed and chia seeds for added benefits. Or grab a couple of frozen multi-grain waffles in the toaster for a quick and easy breakfast. Add some sugar-free syrup. And finish off your breakfast with some berries or melon.
Don't put too many restrictions on yourself. It's okay to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation. If you crave something, give in, have a little of it, and get some extra steps in.
Can you undo a cheat day? Probably not; getting right back on track is your best option. The sooner, the better.
Can cheat days work for you? The only way you will know for sure is to try it. Some people do well with giving themselves permission for a cheat meal or a cheat day. And for others, it just doesn't work for them. Everyone's cheat day would most likely look different. Some crave sweet sugary desserts, and some crave crunchy, salty snacks.
It would be best to plan your cheat meals or days the same way you usually plan your meals and snacks. Planning is the way to go.
Better yet, drop the word 'cheat' and plan a day you allow more freedom in your daily menu for a treat. Cheat sounds so criminal-like.
A healthy lifestyle works better if you plan.
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