"Cheat" Meals

I've had a lot of people reach out and ask me about "cheat" meals.

When do I get a "cheat" meal?

How much do I get to eat?

Is it just one meal or do I get a whole day?

I'm going to start and squash the entire term of a "cheat" meal. The term is quite commonly used and works for many, but I hate it. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong, something I should feel guilty about. But when I eat egg whites, Ezekiel bread, protein powder, plain chicken, brown rice, broccoli, and sweet potatoes for dayssssssss I sure don't feel guilty about chowing down on huevos rancheros at brunch, or dipping extra bread in my mussels sauce, or splitting a whole bottle of wine!

I earned it!! I've worked hard. I feel strong and healthy. And I'm feeding my body and my soul a little extra ice cream this week. I don't go crazy because I'm still on a strict diet plan and my coach would kill me, but I'm not going to feel guilty about treating myself.

I'm not cheating, I'm just living.

My treat meals have become extra special now that I'm on my strict diet and can't eat a cookie whenever I want (I really miss those days). So I've been quite selective about what I'm going to splurge on. Last Friday was the night before I was 12 weeks out, so the girls and I had a night out!

Coach told me I needed to eat more carbs....this is what he meant right?!

We started with pizza and beer at Regina's. No better way to do it!! Then went out and met the rest of the ladies for champagne and finally ended at a local bar with a live band and some Sam Adams. A wonderful night of celebration and treating before the real grind begins. 

Plus Friday was a leg day for me, so really I needed the extra carbs.

My point is regardless of this journey I'm on, I'm not depriving myself of things i love.

Donuts. Wine. Ice Cream. 

So I'm including a few of my other favorite treat moments as well. I have a weak spot for donuts, so these gourmet donuts from The Kitchen were heaven paired with the last of our red wine (just glad Ryan shares that same love too!).

It came with this raspberry (I think?) jelly that was insane!

And finally...I live in the North End of Boston. It's also known as "little Italy" and is all too continent for a quick dinner out.

So back to the questions. It depends. It will always depend. So eat healthy, eat clean, and stop feeling guilty treating yourself. You aren't cheating, just treating. Think of it as food for the soul. 

"Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul." - Dorthy Day.