Cheat Meal Friday!

It's almost Friday, so that means Cheat meal night! I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to some delicious fried food that makes you feel sick after stuffing your face. The thing that always amazes me after I do eat a cheat meal and feel so super full is that, I always used to eat like that. I was always eating the greasy, fried foods. I was always stopping by fast food places and washing it down with a (gasp!) regular soda.

For the most part my diet is pretty balanced. I follow IIFYM so I do eat a lot of food that is not considered "clean" or "healthy." I actually just finished eating a big bowl of easy mac with extra lean ground chicken breast seasoned in taco seasoning topped with hot sauce and avocado. (ugh so good!) I eat that exact meal almost every single day and guess what? I am no where near over weight and I am still leaner than I was when I was eating fast food every day. I still have way more muscle mass than I did when I was eating fast food every day.

I am a junk food lover. And I will gladly admit that I indulge in junk food mostly every day. The thing I have learned over the past few years is that moderation is key. Yes, we have all heard that, but I am here to attest that it is in fact true! You can still eat oreos, and mac and cheese, and chips, and chocolate, and ice cream and still lose weight and build muscle!

I do this by following macros and I love it. It takes some dedication to track everything and for some people, this is not the best option for them. But for me, a junk food lover, it is! I am able to enjoy all my treats and ensure that I am meeting my macronutrients to reach my goals.

So then why do I have a cheat meal if I indulge everyday?
Although I am able to fit in my daily treats, I do still have to be mindful and practical about what I eat. I may have mac and cheese for one meal, but my other meals are not like that. I do eat classic "diet" meals as well, and they are just as delicious. Eating a healthy diet does NOT have to be boring.

I love eating a balanced diet. My body feels so much better when I give it proper nutrients. I do not feel bloated all the time, or tired, or weak! I am able to life heavy weights and then fuel my body with what it needs. And my body needs both "clean" and "dirty" foods. I don't believe in deprivation. I think that it's torture and completely unnecessary.

So, while I have my daily treat, I also have my weekly cheat meal. I don't track my cheat meal, and I always work out the day of my cheat meal and the day after. I don't actually know if that has anything to do with anything but it makes me feel better. I track my macros all week long to ensure I am eating for my goals and enjoying my food. One night (or two) a week, Chris and I take a mental break and just enjoy some good food. It keeps us sane and on track.

One meal (or two) a week has not at all hindered any type of progress. In fact, it has done the opposite. For me, cheat meals give me the extra push to stay on track. I don't feel the need to eat junky all day everyday anymore. I love how my body and mind feel after a week of eating according to my goals. I love my cheat meals and I do not ever feel guilty for them.

So, what cheat meal will tomorrow bring? Who knows, but I am looking forward to it! Maybe a little bit of taco bell, with crab waffle fries and a pizza?