The truth about “cheat days”

{NAME}, let’s talk about cheat days. You’ve probably heard this term before... The idea is that by allowing yourself to “cheat” on your diet one day a week… you’ll be more likely to stick to it. This is thought to help you maintain your healthy diet long-term — and lose weight at a steady rate. But do cheat days actually work? Or is better to be consistent and stick to a healthy diet 24/7? Well, the short answer is: It depends. Many people find that a day of indulgence is essential to maintaining an otherwise healthy diet. (In fact, you may remember a certain pro-wrestler who famously indulged in some ENORMOUS cheat meals every Sunday — after restricting himself all week, of course.) But on the other hand, many people find that cheat days are merely an excuse to over-indulge… And that they actually lead to weight GAIN in the long run. So… how do you know if it’s right for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of cheat days — so you can decide for yourself whether it’s the right choice.  The Pros: - Helps you stick with your diet, since you’re not fully restricting yourself - Makes you more aware of the choices you’re making - Feels like a fun, rewarding way to treat yourself once a week The Cons: - Easy to over-indulge (and turn into a “cheat week” or a “cheat month”) - Can be a “shock” to your digestive system — leading to discomfort and sluggishness - May be difficult for you to get back on track Remember though — when it comes to weight loss, everyone is different. The most important thing is determining what works best for YOU. So be sure to ask yourself: Will an occasional indulgence help me stay on track towards my health goals… or will it derail my goals completely? If you find that an occasional splurge IS helpful… here’s a simple, sustainable way to stay on track: Instead of having a cheat day… have a cheat meal. Treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream after dinner on Friday nights… or have a slice of cheese pizza if you feel like ordering take-out. And if you find that a cheat meal is a bit too much... Make it a cheat ingredient! Sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese over the top of your salad — or pour some flavored creamer into your morning coffee. The key step here is that you do what’s best for YOU — so don’t be afraid to treat yourself every now and then. :) Whatever you choose, {NAME}, know that I totally have your back… And I’m here with you every step of the way! Stay healthy, Dr. Amy Lee Nucific Board of Directors [Top logo]( //links.nucific.com/a/518/click/8058572/742263669/_1f5b88d025963cf18553037bacb2ec3e7d3f3f55/009c221a5b6e82bf36131087a8e9f02b758283d2    This email was sent to {EMAIL} by amylee@nucific.com 19528 Ventura Blvd. #343 Tarzana, CA 91356 [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Report Spam]( Â