What are the positive and negative reasons to allow oneself a "cheat meal" every once and awhile?
I have been on a very strict low calorie, low fat and high protein diet for the last 2 an 1/2 months along with a strict cardio and weight training routine. I have not strayed but starting to feel the little temptations of a meal that reminds my taste buds the flavor of "being naughty ". The fear is that I have had very good success these last two months and I don't want to lost any hard work but at the same time that same fear makes me wonder if I should reflect on an other issue of being over obsessed with results and not learn proper "normal out of program" moderation etc. Any help would be much appreciated.
A planned cheat meal is a very good idea.
I would really suggest that you think about the circumstances that preceded you feeling tempted to reminisce about eating something that you really enjoy. Were you surrounded by friends, was it a television commercial, did someone say or do something that triggered the feeling of wanting to eat something really yummy?
When you have those feelings, write down or think about what is occurring or what might have occurred that might have triggered the desire to eat whatever you deem unhealthy. It’s really important to be aware of our own hidden behaviors which at times may sabotage us.
Also, at times when we change a behavior, like changing the way we eat, sometimes we are over ambitious and change suddenly as opposed to changing the behavior gradually. To stop eating the things that you really enjoy cold turkey is a real challenge, so it is not surprising that you want to eat it now.
It’s great that you’ve thought about it, you’ve shared it with us on this platform and now you can plan your cheat meal.
Before you eat it, though, I recommend that you write down all the wonderful behaviors and goals that you have adopted over the past couple of months. Then after you have your cheat meal you can review the behaviors and goals that you’ve made for yourself in order to get back on track.
I wish you success.