The Cheat Meal Myth

[NJRipped]

I constantly see references to cheat meals on this board and others. Regular posters on this board, and others, tell people that the cheat meal is a good thing and will shock their body in a positive way. My belief is that people who advise this are simply attempting to justify their inability to control their own eating. If you want to do it then do it but don't advise others that it's good for you. Since when is eating processed, fatty, crappy foods a good thing?

If you're interested in shocking your body, eat a greater amount of quality foods for a meal occasionally. I haven't cheated on my diet in nearly 3 years and have made great progress. I'm not saying you should be as dedicated as I have been. Do it yourself if you want to but don't give out advice that eating highly processed foods once a week is a good thing.

 

[Cut]

For me a cheat meal is something I have to keep myself sane, and to break the monotony of the bland foods I eat for most of the week. I don't do it for any scientific or technical reasons.
I don't believe that eating these meals in moderation is a bad thing, and they sure as hell taste good to eat

 

[NJRipped]

It's not optimal of course but it won't kill you either. The problem I have is when people say it actually helps you physically - it might help some psychologically.

For me a cheat meal is something I have to keep myself sane, and to break the monotony of the bland foods I eat for most of the week. I don't do it for any scientific or technical reasons.
I don't believe that eating these meals in moderation is a bad thing, and they sure as hell taste good to eat

 

[~SC~]

I wouldn't say "myth", as that would be something that all would agree on, and that is common knowledge. Not the case here, it's just opinion about a cheat day.

In all of my training/counseling experience (tons), I've found that if one's dietary plan of attack is sterling in nature, one all out cheat meal or day per week (dependent upon the subject) is not only good for the metabolism and leptin levels, but also for psychological/relaxation reasons.

The simple fact is that the majority of those I assist who are over-weight NEED this cheat day per week for MENTAL reasons, as well as physical. Having this "free" day per week not only helps metabolism, but helps the subject to relax, enjoy a "free" day, and build up the drive/dedication to bust ass the other 6 days of the week. Taking away this enjoyment often times leads those people to fall totally off the dietary program and simply give up. So, if one cheat day all out per week is what it takes to mentally keep them on track, while they can still progress (I make sure of that) , I believe it's actually an invaluable tool to have.

Matter of fact, today is my cheat day and I'm having Tequila, home-made Mexican style cheese enchiladas w/fried potatoes, chicken, etc. I may even eat more crap later today. Does it hurt me? Not at all, as I need this "shock", and the ability to let go as well, it reduces cortisol from stress. I'll still be as lean/strong/mean as ever come manana, and it's business all over again.

So, all in all, if you can allow clients crap food one day per week all out, trust me, you'll gain lots of clients.

~SC~

I constantly see references to cheat meals on this board and others. Regular posters on this board, and others, tell people that the cheat meal is a good thing and will shock their body in a positive way. My belief is that people who advise this are simply attempting to justify their inability to control their own eating. If you want to do it then do it but don't advise others that it's good for you. Since when is eating processed, fatty, crappy foods a good thing?

If you're interested in shocking your body, eat a greater amount of quality foods for a meal occasionally. I haven't cheated on my diet in nearly 3 years and have made great progress. I'm not saying you should be as dedicated as I have been. Do it yourself if you want to but don't give out advice that eating highly processed foods once a week is a good thing.

 

[NJRipped]

SC
I agree with you, psychologically, many people need the cheat meal. Of course, in my opinion, this is why ALL diets eventually fail. What I mean by "fail" is that eventually they will become fat again.

So, how can they succeed? Well I happen to be writing a book about it. Basically it trains one how to break food addiction to the point that you don't miss/want the "bad" foods. I have zero desire for pizza/big macs, etc. IMO, the only way to overcome the obesity problem in the US is to break the addiction to food. What else could possibly work other than a miracle pill or Thermoxon. lol

I wouldn't say "myth", as that would be something that all would agree on, and that is common knowledge. Not the case here, it's just opinion about a cheat day.

In all of my training/counseling experience (tons), I've found that if one's dietary plan of attack is sterling in nature, one all out cheat meal or day per week (dependent upon the subject) is not only good for the metabolism and leptin levels, but also for psychological/relaxation reasons.

The simple fact is that the majority of those I assist who are over-weight NEED this cheat day per week for MENTAL reasons, as well as physical. Having this "free" day per week not only helps metabolism, but helps the subject to relax, enjoy a "free" day, and build up the drive/dedication to bust ass the other 6 days of the week. Taking away this enjoyment often times leads those people to fall totally off the dietary program and simply give up. So, if one cheat day all out per week is what it takes to mentally keep them on track, while they can still progress (I make sure of that) , I believe it's actually an invaluable tool to have.

Matter of fact, today is my cheat day and I'm having Tequila, home-made Mexican style cheese enchiladas w/fried potatoes, chicken, etc. I may even eat more crap later today. Does it hurt me? Not at all, as I need this "shock", and the ability to let go as well, it reduces cortisol from stress. I'll still be as lean/strong/mean as ever come manana, and it's business all over again.

So, all in all, if you can allow clients crap food one day per week all out, trust me, you'll gain lots of clients.

~SC~

 

[TRUEsoldier]

I understand the psychological needs, dont really know about the physical needs. But damn do I appreciate the needs of appreciating good foods once in awhile. Now I do belive that while you are trying to attain your goal, that you have to be alot more dedicated to the diet, and cheat meals should not be as often. But I belive once you get to your goal, then one cheat meal a week can not do that much damage to you! But who knows maybe one day they will develop some "condiment" that you can put on your food that has no taste, and that enables your body to only utilze the good and dispose of the bad!!! LOL talk about a dream

 

[NJRipped]

Hey, I'm living that dream (except the part about the great tasting foods). lol You know how many times I've been sick since eating perfectly clean for the last 3 years - NONE. I work out each bodypart one time per week with only two sets and never have I been in better shape in my life. Everyone deprives themselves of food to some extent - why not go all the way.

But who knows maybe one day they will develop some "condiment" that you can put on your food that has no taste, and that enables your body to only utilze the good and dispose of the bad!!! LOL talk about a dream

 

[Synpax]

One of the advantages of the strict, EF hard core person diet is that when you eat a 'real' meal you can enjoy it more than someone who eats that stuff daily (pizza, fried chicken, a particular desert, etc.)

 

[KWKSLVR]

One of the advantages of the strict, EF hard core person diet is that when you eat a 'real' meal you can enjoy it more than someone who eats that stuff daily (pizza, fried chicken, a particular desert, etc.)

That I can definately agree with.

I like a slice of pizza (or the entire pie) every so often. I don't like feeling bloated and unable to fit my fat ass into my jeans the next day. Hell, this afternoon I worked out, took my PWO ALA/Dextrose/Protein shake and then for dinner I had some ALA and 100% whole wheat durum flour wheat pasta mixed in with a marinated and seasoned chicken breast with a dash of "Carb Options" sause (80 cals ain't bad). In my simple world, that was a good meal. I little lacking the vegtable department and could stand to lose a little out of the starch department but it sure beats a #4 from McDonalds

 

[nicky007]

I think that the cheat meal mentality can wreak more havoc physicologically than it can help. For often what happens after a cheat meal is that the next day we crave some more bad stuff. If we are successful the day after, then after another 48 hours we may get the craving again and this I believe is due to the fact that we remember the taste of the "bad food". We have to understand what happens physiologically when we take in high fat sugary foods. Our insulin spikes and with it we experience a sense of euphoria (thats what I call it). The process food gives us a high!

Hence the next day we feel a bit down (its not just the guilt but the fact that our insulin levels crash so rapidly). We are also bloated because our bodies hold onto water to counteract the fact that the ph in our bodies is now very acidic (from the junk).

This does not mean that a cheat meal or even a couple of consecutive cheat days have no benefit. yes, they can and do speed up wait loss in that they sshock ones system. But the overall net weightloss can be undermined if one gives into subsequent cravings. And the cumulative effect of binges can blunt ones insulin response, making them more susceptible to becoming insulin resistant in the future. Something nobody would want.

 

[~SC~]

Good luck w/your book NJ, make sure you announce it when it's done. I'd like to see what you produce.

~SC~

 

[mposster]

i think the so called "cheat meal" should be used only in a low , low carb diets ...
which is the most rediculous thing i have ever heard of unless its the last few weeks of a contest and then you never cheat.....so your right....unles your fixing to pull your hair out for some pizza or donuts.....don't do it....and eat moderate amounts of carbs,,,,,

 

[TRUEsoldier]

Hey, I'm living that dream (except the part about the great tasting foods). lol You know how many times I've been sick since eating perfectly clean for the last 3 years - NONE. I work out each bodypart one time per week with only two sets and never have I been in better shape in my life. Everyone deprives themselves of food to some extent - why not go all the way.

What every makes you happy bro!!!!

Myself, I love food, love it, and that means I really love really good tasting food (the shit that is not so good for ya) I belive life is about being happy, and never eating a really good tasting meal, deffinatly doesnt make me happy. So I will deffinatly enjoy my cheat meal once and awhile, and keep my ass happy. Now dont get me wrong, eating clean food, that is really healthy, but not as tasty, does not bother me and I truthfully enjoy it. But I really enjoy thinking about when I get to go eat that really good meal, and it also fuels my work outs before and after to ensure that it doesnt affect me to negetivly!

good luck on the book, and keep us updated

 

[JKurz1]

Geez...........Life is WAYYYYYY too short..........unless you are in this for a salary, it's a hobby and should be treated as such. DOn't get me wrong, I'm strict as hell with my diet because I FEEL better when I'm clean........but if I wanted something, I'd prob. go for it.....right now, peanuts, cool whip, skim milk frosty protein shakes with davinchii syrups satisfy any cravings I may get......

 

[Slyder190]

I'd like to check out that book when it's ready as well. And as far as cheat meals, yeah to me they're a reward for the week of strict dieting and hard work. Also helps keep you sane, yes indeed, LOL. But also, you only live once, so you gotta enjoy life sometimes. Not that I don't enjoy the way I look or my daily eating/training routine, but you should indulge in the "bad things" sometimes.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

I'd like to check out that book when it's ready as well. And as far as cheat meals, yeah to me they're a reward for the week of strict dieting and hard work. Also helps keep you sane, yes indeed, LOL. But also, you only live once, so you gotta enjoy life sometimes. Not that I don't enjoy the way I look or my daily eating/training routine, but you should indulge in the "bad things" sometimes.

absolutely cheat meals are important and i do believe based on my own body that they have been bebeficial while dieting!!! when a cheat meal or day leads into not being able to get back on your diet then its a problem..lighten up you can only cut so much..eating for size is a lot harder!!!!

 

[NJRipped]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. My greatest challenge is to overcome people's love for food. Once you do overcome it though, you no longer miss it. The only thing I regret about giving up all the great tasting foods is that I didn't start years earlier.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. My greatest challenge is to overcome people's love for food. Once you do overcome it though, you no longer miss it. The only thing I regret about giving up all the great tasting foods is that I didn't start years earlier.

that will be tough if you have to reprogram the brain to learn to eat out of necessity not taste..i eat 400 g of pro per day chicken gets kind f old fast but yet i eat it every day as well as steak because its something i need to do

 

[ohashi]

A structured refeed will do wonders on a strict cut (read up on leptin). A cheat meal will do shit.

 

[JKurz1]

I viewed this first hand.....my brother placed 2nd in a pretty nice local event.we went out after and this dude chowed for four....he prob. took in more cals with food and alcohol than I do in a week.....long story short, he looked beter than on stage in the morning.......needless to say, he didnt it his carb load peak......didn't have the heart to tell him....

 

[alexmfc]

So far i've been cutting for the past 4 weeks, and i really do believe that 'cheat meals' really do help in terms of getting your metabolism back on track. And yes they do helpe you stay sane. Also when i have my cheat days( which is actually only two cheat meals) i cant stop taking a shit that whole day! GO FIGURE

 

[georgie24]

i drive my family, deli clerks, diner waiters, subway guys/gals, literally up the wall because i want my food served a certain way.. i dont want 5 slices of cheese and 1/4 bottle of mayo on my sandwitch, nor do i want the fries that come with it..they look at me like im crazy....FUCK them