Consistency is key to a successful weight loss journey. However, cheat meals happen, and they won’t derail you too much if they happen rarely. If you’re worried about cheating on your week's carefully planned menu, check out these five tips on how to avoid overindulging in your favourite treats:
1. Don't Make Cheat Meals Accessible
Remove any potential temptations. Don't surround yourself with food items that you normally give in to; if the foods are out of sight, they will be out of mind. Instead, fill your cupboards with items you have control over. Here are a few tips to conduct your pantry purge in a fast and fun fashion.
2. Plan Your Cheat Meals
The key to avoiding cheating is not feeling deprived. If you know a treat helps you to feel satisfied, plan how you can make it fit your program. Portion your treat and find a place for it in your daily/weekly plan. Setting a plan will also give you something to look forward to and celebrate having. Think of your cheat meals as little rewards for hitting certain goals. Here are a few overall meal planning tips to help make your life easier, just work those cheat meals into it!
3. Redefine “Cheating”
By changing the way you think about cheat meals, you can indulge without regret. Choose a healthy version of your favourite “cheat” meal or snack. Alter the way your dish is prepared, for example, use skim milk instead of cream, or lettuce as a hamburger bun. By altering the way your foods are prepared, you can “cheat” and still lose weight, while enjoying yourself. Check out some of Herbal Magic’s recipes for healthier versions of your favourite “cheat meals.”
4. Practice Portion Control
Everything can be enjoyed in moderation. You do not have to feel like you are cheating as long as you practice portion control and do not overindulge. Portion control allows for these foods to have a place in your weight loss journey. For tips on how to portion control, book a free consultation with our Head Health Coach to learn more.
5. Stay Strong
Sometimes cheating will be induced when you are around friends or family. Remind them that you plan to achieve a goal and would appreciate their support. Make sure to stay firm. Be a good influence on your friends and family and try sharing a healthy dish. Although, if you have a fun family or friendly event upcoming, plan that as one of your cheat meals so you can really enjoy yourself! Just be conscious of the spontaneous gatherings that could lead to unexpected cheating.
With a little planning, moderation, and creativity, you can keep your cheat meals under control and stay on track to reach your health and weight loss goals. If you’re looking for further support on your weight loss journey, check out our weight loss programs to see if a Personal Health Coach can help you achieve your goal.
