Dieting: Do "Cheat" Days Work?

With all of the diet trends out there, it can get a little overwhelming. Especially when some of the diets exclude our favorite foods, such as chocolate, pizza, and bacon! (Those are some of mine, anyway.) Between all of the gluten-free, sugar-free, fat-free, taste-free diets to get the pounds to shed, or whatever the motivation is, one can really go to missing their favorite indulgences.

Now, I'm not one to diet, or promote a particular diet, but I know there are plenty of people out there who do and can take drastic measures to change what they're eating to get to their goal. I also know one of the many downfalls to their dieting, no matter how well-meaning and careful, ends up being binge sessions due to being told they couldn't have those things. Just about every "diet" eliminates something. Have you ever experienced something like that? How many times have you tried dieting and failed because you couldn't give up a favorite food, and so went back to your old eating habits? 

This endless cycle that so many people follow can be dangerous, as it causes a "yo-yo" effect in weight. Rapid weight-loss, followed by rapid regaining.This reeks havoc on the metabolic system, making it more difficult keep weight off once lost, not to mention straining major organs and functions such as the kidneys, liver, and the thyroid. 

Check out this info graphic from Health Perch (one of my favorite subscriptions) on dieting and cheat days. Great ideas and concepts to help you stay on track!

"Smart or Sabotage?" on Health Perch

So what's the answer? Some studies suggest that having a cheat day, or just having an occasional indulgence, can increase your chances of following through with your plans on eating healthier. One reason being that there isn't a sense of deprivation, that would otherwise cause an overwhelming craving for that food. Another theory is that it keeps food interesting to the person and allows appetite to exist, instead of looking at food as only a necessity. This is better than limiting caloric intake so low that the metabolism slows and energy is affected. 

What are your thoughts on having a cheat day? Does it/has it helped or hindered efforts on eating right? Take the poll below! Questions and comments always welcome.

How do you stay on track to meet diet/health goals?

I try new recipes to keep things interesting, but healthy

I treat myself occasionally or have a "cheat day"

I have a support person or motivational tool

I use meal replacments and/or appetite-controlling snacks, Rx, etc

All of the above

Other

Please Specify:

Poll Maker