Are Cheat Days Essential When Losing Weight?

Why Cheat Days Are Essential When Trying to Lose Weight

Unknown to many, we were already suffering from another pandemic. It has affected the global population for many years (if not decades). The silent killer is obesity. We must all take responsibility for this epidemic. But are cheat days essential when losing weight?

Like other health conditions, obesity can be prevented and treated. However, it takes a lot of discipline for us to overcome such a disease. With that said, you might want to try wet cooking methods to lessen your calorie intake. Not to mention, it is more economical.

However, once in a while, we crave something indulgent. Perhaps, order one of those fatty burgers with a good serving of oily fries. Although it is prudent to stick to wet cooking methods, allowing yourself to have cheat days can also have health benefits. This article will help answer “are cheat days essential when losing weight”?

The Science behind Metabolism

We always hear people blame metabolism for their weight gain. This belief is accurate, and you have to note the role of leptin and ghrelin in this incredible body function.

Leptin is a hormone that helps you control your appetite and burn off the fat cells in your body. When you eat and your body fat content increases, your body secretes more leptin. It will eventually tell you that you are full and should stop eating.

If you control your intake and lessen your calories, your body will decrease leptin production. It results in a lower appetite, and you would eventually eat less.

On the other hand, ghrelin stimulates your appetite. If leptin is suppressed, ghrelin will kick in to tell you to eat more. It is a vicious cycle, and most people cannot control it.  

Kickstart Your Hormones

To lose weight, you need to kickstart your hormones and burn off excess fat cells in your body. It would be best to look at what you are doing to your body.

Your body decreases leptin production as you continue with your healthy lifestyle of only using wet cooking methods. By having a cheat day, you are allowing your body to produce more leptin. It is crucial to the weight loss process, which is why you should have cheat days. You should have them regularly.

Try having a cheat day once a week. It will encourage your body to release hormones that would otherwise be suppressed due to your weight loss routine. Thus, you can lose weight effectively and still have fun.

Positive Reinforcement

Like any habit, it takes time and discipline to master. If you have a healthy diet, you will lose weight steadily. However, you have to combat your appetite and maintain the same routine. It can be challenging.

It would be easier to follow a healthy lifestyle if you are expecting a reward at the end of the week. By doing so, you are giving yourself positive reinforcement. Since you have been doing well, it would be easy to have a cheat day. Your body will produce enough leptin so you can enjoy your indulgence without feeling guilty.

Conclusion

If you want to lose weight, it is not just about eating less. It would be best if you also learned to control your appetite. If you can do that, you can eat as much as you like. You should have a cheat day to kickstart your hormones and burn off the excess fat in your body.

If you are not certain about how to prepare healthy yet delicious meals through the cooking methods, you can ask Food Fire + Knives to do it for you. As seasoned chefs, we can prepare your daily meals and your cheat day food. Contact us now for more details!

Published By Kim Gandhi Kim Gandhi began cooking at 8 years old with a love of food driving her to experiment with her Hispanic and German heritage. She gained a BBA in Marketing and turned to the business world for much of her career. Her strong customer service background and her passion for great events that involve chefs, customers, and amazing food allows her to indulge in her love of cooking and enjoying what FFK chefs bring to the table.