Cheat Days And A Bride Fit Body

I was inspired to talk about “cheat days” and how it fits with achieving a Bride Fit Body after reading a blog by Amy Kubal called, “Cheat Day’s & Other Bullshittery.”   Based on that title you may have an idea where this is going…Yeah, I’m not a fan of “cheat days.”   Don’t stop reading yet!

Let’s start with the word “cheat”- it feels dirty and wrong.   The definition is to act dishonestly or unfairly.   Does your everyday eating feel miserable and associated with deprivation?   Choking down foods you hate just because you think eating flavorless boring food is what is required to get “wedding dress ready?”   Here’s the deal, you should be enjoying every meal that you eat!   The food you eat ALL the time should be delicious and flavorful, and the great news is that you will ROCK your wedding dress on the big day and bathing suit on your honeymoon by eating Amazing Food!

There should be zero guilt or bad feelings associated with eating- that includes “treats” or “unplanned eating.”   Follow me on this scenario…you follow the “diet” perfectly Monday through Friday and of course you’re a little cranky or hangry during the week.   Saturday becomes a gorge-fest, followed by feeling like a failure on Sunday because you went crazy eating way too much crap on your “cheat day.”

Let’s look at a much more desirable plan…you follow a “diet” of real food.   If you want a “treat” then eat it!   Of course if you consider a “treat” a package of Chips Ahoy with a pint of ice cream, or a large deep-dish pizza with a bottle of wine or Coke (I prefer the wine), then we need to redefine what a treat is.

A treat is something out of the ordinary that gives great pleasure.   A few things besides food filled with sugar, wheat flour and chemicals come to mind.   Like a massage, pedicure, hot bath with Epson salt & essential oils for example!   If your craving for a “treat” is in the food category, then choose something to satisfy that craving or desire.   Don’t lock yourself into one day or meal to “be bad!”   If you want some chocolate on Tuesday but your “cheat day” isn’t scheduled till Saturday then you are going to feel deprived and resentful till then.   No doubt by waiting so long to satisfy your desire, it’ll turn more into a “binge” on an innocent chocolate cake!   You could avoid the whole “deprivation, binge, guilt” story by eating a square of dark chocolate when you wanted it on Tuesday.   Or make yourself a chocolate protein shake with added cacao-nibs or powder and some stevia or xylitol for extra sweetness.   Or make some sweet treats with real ingredients ahead of time and keep individually wrapped in the freezer for those occasions of desire for sweet or chocolate!   This does involve planning & preparing but it’s worth it!

Another really important point I want you to get- if you have a cookie or a piece or 2 of pizza (I’m hoping you go with gluten-free and made with real ingredients), or some wine on a Wednesday, it is highly unlikely that you have sabotaged your efforts in achieving a Bride Fit Body.   However, eating a pile of pancakes drowning in syrup, huge bowls of pasta, pints of ice cream and whatever else is allowed on “cheat days,” may be the culprit if you aren’t reaching your fat release or body firming goals!   I find that eliminating is much more effective than limiting certain foods that are usually associated with over eating.   Read this for the scoop on eliminating versus eating in moderation.

If you feel like you are going to explode, you’re crossed into binge territory and that’s not good for you Bride Fit Body or Bride Fit Mind.   When enjoying a “treat” make sure you eat MINDFULLY and stopping when you’re satisfied- not completely miserable, is the key.   Mindful eating means you are taking notice of what the food tastes like, are you enjoying it?   Is it satisfying?   Or are you just shoveling stale chips or cheap ice cream down your throat?   If what you’re eating is not delicious, or not what your body is asking for, then stop eating it!   You’ll feel so much better ALL the time!

There’s no reason to jump in the RESTRICT/BINGE “cheat day” or “carb night” train to justify eating foods that you truly enjoy.   I believe you can reinvent ANY food that you enjoy to be delicious and healthy!   The goal is to be FIT & FABULOUS on the BIG DAY & BEYOND!   ENJOY everything you eat- everyday.   Listen to your body, eat food that nourishes it and makes you feel your best!

You don’t have to navigate the confusing road of what, when and how much to eat alone.   Join 12 WEEKS TO A FIT BRIDE TODAY and I’ll guide you to being in the BEST Shape & health of your life and look amazing in your wedding dress for the big day and bathing suit on your honeymoon!

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Sheila is a health coach and creator of 12 WEEKS TO A FIT BRIDE.    She works with BRIDES in the area’s of fitness, nutrition & lifestyle to create a life of “happily & healthily ever after.”

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Written by Sheila Piehler
Medical Writer & Editor

Sheila is a health coach and creator of 12 WEEKS TO A FIT BRIDE.    She works with BRIDES in the area’s of fitness, nutrition & lifestyle to create a life of “happily & healthily ever after.”

View all post by Sheila Piehler