Can Breaking Your Diet Actually Help?

THE RIGHT TIMING FOR YOUR CHEAT MEAL

Timing your cheat meal around intense workout sessions can also be a beneficial strategy. After a hard workout, your body is primed to use the extra calories and nutrients to repair muscles and replenish glycogen stores. So, consider planning your cheat meal for after a particularly challenging training session when your body needs extra fuel.

CHEAT MEALS AND CARB CYCLING

Some athletes and competitors take cheat meals to the next level by incorporating them into carb cycling strategies. Carb cycling involves alternating high-carb and low-carb days to trick your metabolism into staying active. On high-carb days (which often coincide with cheat meals), athletes fuel their bodies with complex carbs to boost energy levels, which can lead to better performance in training.

CHEAT MEAL FREQUENCY AND YOUR GOALS

Your fitness level and body composition goals can dictate how often cheat meals are incorporated. Athletes looking to drop fat while maintaining muscle mass may benefit from a controlled weekly cheat meal, while those in maintenance mode might indulge every couple of weeks. Track how your body responds and adjust as necessary to keep your progress on point.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

While cheat meals are designed to satisfy cravings and keep your metabolism in check, it’s important to listen to how your body responds afterward. Feeling overly sluggish or bloated may indicate that a specific cheat meal choice wasn’t the best for your body. Opt for treats that still provide nutritional value and allow you to feel energized afterward.