Good News: Cheat Meals Might Help You Lose More Weight

A “cheat meal” is a single meal that veers off from your regular meal plan, and, believe it or not, enjoying a cheat meal once in a while could support your weight loss goals. The intent is to take a break from your usual routine and enjoy foods you typically avoid while dieting—perhaps a burger with fries, a piece of cake, or a hearty pasta dish, depending on your preferences and restrictions.

Below, we discuss the unique benefits of enjoying an occasional special treat and how our Inland Empire weight loss patients can incorporate cheat meals when appropriate.

Can cheat meals really help me lose weight?

When managed appropriately, cheat meals can be a useful tool in your weight loss journey. We understand that purposely eating foods that don’t typically find their way into a healthy meal plan seems counterintuitive, but several factors contribute to an occasional cheat meal’s positive effects:

1. Boosts your metabolism

Your metabolism can slow down when you consistently eat fewer calories than your body needs. Your body typically goes into “conservation mode,” burning calories more slowly to save energy. A cheat meal can momentarily trick your body into thinking it’s getting more calories regularly, which can temporarily boost your metabolism and help you burn additional calories.

2. Enhances your motivation

Let’s face it, a strict diet plan and meal prep can be monotonous, and sticking to it is half the battle. Many people find that having a break to look forward to provides a psychological boost, helping them maintain their motivation to follow their diet and exercise programs for the long haul. 

3. Avoids deprivation

Total deprivation of foods outside of your meal plan works for some people, while others find that quitting foods they love cold turkey is demoralizing. Cutting yourself off completely may lead to binge eating and feelings of guilt that may cause you to ditch your diet altogether. 

A planned cheat meal allows you to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation and prevent the sense of deprivation that can derail your weight loss goals.

How do I incorporate cheat meals into my diet?

Here are some guidelines to follow to reap the benefits of a cheat meal and avoid potential pitfalls:

• Schedule your cheat meal. Knowing when you’ll get to enjoy special foods will likely help you stay on track. And planning ahead can also prevent a cheat meal from turning into a cheat day(s). 
• Practice portion control. Even though it’s a cheat meal, keep portions in check to avoid binge eating. Over-indulging may cause you to feel discouraged later and potentially have a negative ripple effect. (You may also find that because you’ve been following a particular diet, you may feel sluggish as your body is no longer accustomed to such foods.)
• Keep it balanced. Try to incorporate some nutritional value into your cheat meals. You can order a pizza with extra veggies, or blend a handful of spinach into your spaghetti sauce for extra nutrition you won’t even notice. Craving something sweet? Go for dark chocolate—it’s loaded with health benefits! 
• Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals to save room for a cheat meal will likely lead to overeating and undoing your dieting good deeds. 

Does everyone benefit from cheat meals?

Cheat meals can be beneficial, but may only work for some. If you have specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions, it’s best to check with your physician or nutritionist to be sure the timing of your cheat meals and the foods you want to enjoy will not counteract your nutrition plan’s intent. 

For example, the keto diet significantly limits the amount of carbs you eat and teaches your body to burn fat stores for energy. If you are on this diet, too many carbs too often will take your body out of ketosis and thus be ineffective.

Furthermore, some people might find it challenging to get back on track after a cheat meal. You will need to consider your eating habits and emotional responses to food when determining if a strategic cheat meal will enhance your weight loss efforts. 

Our highly experienced Rancho Cucamonga weight loss surgeons are ready to guide you through a safe and effective weight loss journey. We offer several procedures to help you achieve better health, including LAP band, Realize band, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and duodenal switch. 

We also offer post-weight loss body contouring to help you feel more confident in your new body. To schedule a consultation or to learn more, call the Surgical Arts of Inland Empire at (909) 579-3111 or contact us online.