In Fitness, what is a Cheat Day?

The concept of a cheat day is a matter of dispute. The idea is that occasionally, perhaps as often as once a week, people should be allowed a food treat, or possibly should not even have to diet for a day. Cheating is defined by the person or diet system recommending it. Some people feel it’s fine to go hog wild, and others believe that cheating is a much more moderate thing, where a person might indulge in a treat or two that most days they wouldn’t consume.

The argument for a cheat day by those advocating rigid dieting is that people will feel better if they can reward themselves with treats, and it won’t make that much difference from a caloric standpoint. This argument may be a little specious because people often don’t distinguish between cheating and binging. They may serious overeat and then have a hard time going back to a rigid diet. Some people also point out that one issue in promoting weight loss is getting people to change attitudes about food. Rewarding the self with food for staying on a diet all week sends a mixed psychological message that does nothing to promote new habits.

People who teach about permanent food lifestyle changes suggest another approach to a cheat day. These changes to the diet aren’t necessarily "diets" but instead, are a commitment to healthy eating at all times. At the same time, total rigidity, which is more associated with formal diets, isn’t recommended either. People should occasionally have a treat like a piece of birthday cake, the occasional soda, or a scoop of ice cream. When most food consumed is really healthy, these little treats don’t make a big difference.

Advocates for this second approach are opposed to the concept of a whole cheat day because it would mean reverting to eating patterns that are not healthy. Instead they suggest the once in a while approach, which is not cheating but is actually taking pleasure in a more high fat, probably high calorie food. Provided this not the bulk of a diet, concern about consumption doesn’t exist.

From both perspectives, the concept of moderation remains important. People may give themselves a cheat day or simply an occasional treat, but are likely to go overboard if they consume massive amounts of calories on full day eating excursions. Many people also notice that whether they’re on a diet or a healthy eating plan, cheating upsets the stomach or may not taste as good anymore. In the end, anyone hoping to reduce weight should stay in touch with how food makes them feel physically, not just at point of consumption, but a few hours later. If cheating leads to more cheating, a moderate approach to indulging in a treat might be better, and if those old high calorie foods cause stomach upset or illness, finding simpler foods suited to a new lifestyle may be in order.