Cheat Day: A Guilty Pleasure or Strong Motivation
The notion of a "cheat day" has drawn significant interest within the context of fitness and dieting. While some see it as a way to encourage a person to stay focused on their fitness objectives, others see it as a psychological trap that justifies overindulgence. So, what is a cheat day and is it a good thing or just a way to overindulge?
To know about cheat day first it is important to know about cheat meals. Meals including foods that aren't a part of your current diet plan or that are considered indulgent with calorie counts that will ruin your plan are referred to as "cheat meals." However, it's not always the case that unhealthy meals such as fast-food burgers or milkshakes are part of a cheat meal.
Dietitians disagree strongly about "cheat days," as they are generally known, particularly when it comes to eating to help in weight loss. They may even improve your metabolism, according to some. Some claim that the necessity for a cheat day indicates that you should reconsider your present eating regimen and perhaps even your relationship with food.
C for Calories and C for Confusion
Yes, calorie is confusing. It doesn’t make you fat (at least not instantly), but it DOES confuse you. The moment you see X amount of calories printed on the packet of your favorite food, your mind starts making calculations. Now, let us do some maths here –
The average human body needs around 2000 calories per day. So if we take example of a 1 packet of chips it has around 200 calories, so even if you eat 10 packets in a day, it will not make you fat.
However, take another example, ¼ cup of peanuts a healthier option, right? It has 200 calories, so if you consume, 3 full cups of peanuts, you will see an increase in your body weight. Now, as you can see, this is how calories work ! (Please note that the above example is for understanding the concept of calories only)
According to technical definitions, there are two types of calories. The first one known as a small calorie or “Cal” is the quantity of energy required to increase 1 gram of water's temperature by 1 degree Celsius.
The other one is the amount of energy required to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. It is also known as a large calorie or kilocalorie, so 1kcal= 1000cal. While the calorie content listed on food labels refers to kilocalories, a 250-calorie chocolate bar contains 250,000 calories. The terms "large calorie" and "small calorie" are often used synonymously, which is inaccurate.
Everything we consume has a calorie count, and those calories come from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Consumption of calories is necessary for human survival. Without energy, the body's cells would die, the heart and lungs would stop. This energy is absorbed by people through food and drink.
People would most likely lead healthy lives if they merely have the amount of calories required each day. Excessive calorie intake will eventually cause health risks.
- Carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram
- Fats contain 9 calories per gram
- Protein contains 4 calories per gram
Cheating vs Overeating
Cheat days are often seen as a way to provide relief from the strict diet once a month or a week. But sometimes people are misled by the concept of cheat meals and binge eating. One of the major risks related to cheat days is the chance of overindulgence. Individuals may eat unhealthy foods in excess, which can result in overeating. This can lead to a significant excess of calories, which can reverse the improvements gained during the week.
When a person shifts to any diet it includes a lot of exercise, healthy food consumption, and a balanced life. If a person doesn’t want to have a cheat meal for the sake of having a cheat meal every Sunday then that is also fine. A cheat meal is what your body allows and you can overcome it with more exercise and portion control.
Have you ever thought that you can convert your cheat meal into a healthy one? Our Fitspire Peanut Butter crunchy chocolate and crunchy cookies are an excellent choice to make your guilty pleasure a healthy one. Its delightful flavors packed with nutrients can add a touch of goodness to your cheat meal.
You can have a spoon of peanut butter or add it to milk and banana and blend it to make a delicious milkshake. You can even spread it on toast and have it. It is nowhere mentioned that cheat meals have to be unhealthy. It is an option to make your cheat meals turn into smart and healthy by managing portions and ingredients.
If a person eats one piece of cheesecake which is their guilty pleasure once a week and their body allows it that is fine. But having pizza, burger, and cheesecake a day might cause your calorie counts.
Cheat days are a great way to stay motivated and give yourself a mental vacation from a strict diet. When utilized appropriately, they can even offer some metabolic advantages and help maintain long-term commitment to a healthy diet. To avoid the traps of overindulgence and guilt, cheat days must be approached mindfully.