Cheating is a reality to any person that follows a diet. You have to make sure that you’re in line, but you also have to be realistic. If you hold out on cravings, you’re eventually going to give in and that usually means it is pretty bad. I’m talking about that point where you fall off the wagon for a week or two. It usually happens at a weak moment.

Controlled cheating is used, so you give into your cravings in a position that you control. There is a few reasons for this, but it is mainly to prevent those off the wagon binges that last for weeks.

Fulfill Cravings

When you give into a craving at a controlled time, it just makes it a lot easier to deal with. It takes away stress that is associated with the diet and it makes it all easier.

Psychological Exit

What your mind does in those weak moments that result in cheating is that it tries really hard to rationalize making the bad choice. When you have your diet setup to have a cheat day every Sunday, that gives your mind an exit. So when you’re staring at something you want and you’re just about to there to eat it, your mind has an exit that says “Don’t have it, wait until your cheat day.” By the time that rolls around you won’t be at the low.

Good Cheats

Not all good food is bad. There has to be something out there that really isn’t that bad for you, that you can eat. You’d be surprised if you really look. I love milk shakes, so I sometimes have them after I workout with my whey protein. Just because it comes after a workout, it isn’t that big of a deal and it helps me with my cravings.