Cheatdays are the mental crutch for everyone who wants to lose weight. But do these days really help to get the desired body? We'll tell you what they're all about.
Anyone who wants to lose weight has a few hurdles to overcome. Old and cherished habits have to be sorted out. Tasty snacks give way to salad leaves. Then there are regular ordeals in the gym.
Losing weight is not a walk in the park. That's why we have cheat days. Broccoli and eggplant don't stand a chance. And we can feast and enjoy without restraint.
Do cheatdays really help you lose weight?
We often schedule these very special days on a Saturday or Sunday. Then we can strike when we grill with the family. Or go out to eat with friends. And still don't need to have a guilty conscience.
Are cheatdays good for me?
No. Because in fact there is no need to have cheat days. Days where you drink coke. Eating big ice cream sundaes. Or go out for burgers with your friends. These days are not likely to lead you to your dream body.
Cheatdays are supposed to be more of a mental crutch for us. They help us to stick to it. Because most of us who want to lose weight buckle after just a few days. We get ravenous appetites. And cravings for chocolate and the like.
Should I stick to cheat days?
If you are as terribly undisciplined as I am, then it certainly makes sense. It helps you cope better with your own restrictions. And avoid food cravings during the week.
You also don't ban your favorite meals and snacks "forever. Instead, you can foresee when you can enjoy these delicacies again. This helps you to stay motivated throughout the week.
Better: Insert Cheatmeals
Nevertheless, you should gradually reduce the day to a cheat meal. Maybe you're invited to a barbecue and don't want to limit yourself? Or your grandma's 80th birthday is coming up. Go ahead and treat yourself to a piece of cake.
Ideally, over time you will find it easier and easier to avoid sweet, fatty, salty, meaty (whatever it is with you) outliers. Because humans are creatures of habit. And so it is with our taste buds.
By the way: We have lots of great recipes that are super tasty. And still avoid sugar and unhealthy foods. Take a look here: Covered apple pie with meringue and birch sugar.
This is what you should do in the long term
Cheatdays are a short-term solution to help you cope with change. Cheatmeals help you not to be too strict with your diet. However, in the long term, you should choose a different path.
For those who are not in the Jojo effect wants to jump, you have to permanently establish habits in your everyday life that promote a healthy lifestyle. These include regular exercise and a diet that you can live well with.
What should I pay attention to in my diet?
Your diet should not be based on renunciation. If you eat healthy for 3-4 weeks, you will automatically notice that your sense of taste changes. Cola tastes much too sweet. And the burger is also quite heavy in the stomach.
Little by little, you won't have any cravings for these foods at all. And find more and more recipes for your preferred diet. This way you can achieve great results in the long run. And be good to your body.
Loosen up
But very important: Stay relaxed. Don't be so hard on yourself. If you did slam down at the sight of cheesecake, so be it (anyone would!). A change in diet is always a process.
Become aware of what goal you are pursuing. Then the first days in particular will be easier to get through. And then enjoy life. And enjoy the food. You will see how delicious healthy can be. :)
Our conclusion:
Cheatdays can help you stay motivated in the beginning. However, they should gradually lose their urgency once your body has changed to the healthy diet. This happens automatically and without much struggle. Therefore, be relaxed, focus on the (realistic) goal and enjoy the food. :)
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