5 Weekend Cheat Foods That Actually Won’t Ruin Your Diet
March 24, 2018 by Lisa Cupido
After you’ve been so cautious all week — eating the right amount of lean protein, reducing refined carb intake, and including the healthiest fats you can find to help you burn more fat — weekends seem like they were made for a little cheating. Specifically, cheating on your diet with cheat foods.
The term “cheat foods” has gotten a lot of attention lately, with many experts saying a little indulgence now and then can actually help you lose weight (if you feel like you aren’t depriving yourself of everything good, you’re more likely to stick with your diet). The key though is to remember it’s a cheat meal, not a cheat day.
“Cheat days serve a couple of purposes. First, it is important to clarify that a cheat day is most successful when a single meal that day is regarded as the cheat. If you allow all of your hard work to unravel for an entire day, you can quickly void the progress you have been making all week, especially if weight loss is a goal.” Jillian Guinta, professor in the Health and Physical Education Department at Seton Hall University, told Medical Daily.
If you don’t want to succumb completely to sugar cravings, but still want to enjoy a more decadent snack or meal, here are five weekend cheat foods that actually won’t ruin your diet: