Cheat Your Way To Success
November 3rd, 2010 
Becki 
Photo: Sarah Barth
Have heard that to keep your body going, you need to change things up, and even include a “cheat” meal? Ok, slow down. Let’s remember the article Todd did on the “cheat” meal. We do not like to call it a “cheat” meal.
Personally, I am so anal, and by the book, that I just do a piece of cheesecake every now and then. Not everybody is so strict as me, so I can appreciate that. Don’t get me wrong, I do go for an occasional trip for Italian and get some lasagna.
When’s the best time to do this indulging? I am sure you have seen the commercials on tv of the lady looking at the cheesecake in the frig saying to herself’ “I can have one piece while I run in place.”
Let’s look a little deeper into this. Be realistic here. If you are to eat one piece of cake, pie, cookie, etc. are we really going to run that extra three miles to burn it off? I think not.
What if you were to do your exercise, get your metabolism going? Then go an extra 10 minutes, really pushing yourself, and follow up by gulping 16 ounces of water. Then head to that cheat meal.
Your metabolism is going full speed from the exercise, your stomach is somewhat full from the water you just drank. Now would be the perfect time to get your indulgence in-you’ll feel so good about the workout, and you are going to have a somewhat full belly of water. You aren’t going to want to eat the whole cheesecake, and will feel good about just eating the one piece. You’re not going to want more than that.
Your metabolism is going full speed, and will help burn it off faster than eating your indulgence, and waiting to do your exercise and burn it off. Let’s remember as well that your metabolism is spiked up to 24 hours after you finish your workout. I find this the best way to retain self discipline while still enjoying your occasional indulgence.
Just remember, relapses happen-don’t worry about it. just pick yourself up, and carry on.
What works for you? What’s your weakness? Do you have an ultimate cheat meal?
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9 Responses to “Cheat Your Way To Success”
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November 3, 2010 at 8:12 am
I agree with Todd in his post, I’m not a fan of using the language in a negative tone. Becki, you’re right on point though about getting the work in first before indulging in that piece of cheesecake. I like that, and hadn’t thought of that before.
November 3, 2010 at 10:47 am
I don’t know about all this language stuff, but I sure do love the idea of being able to have a chance to enjoy something that I have been depriving myself of. I love food and I miss the good stuff sometimes.
Thank you for this article Becki.
November 4, 2010 at 4:56 am
Personally, I’m of the opinion that having the occasional “free day,” or small regular indulgences makes it easier to find overall success. One of the reasons so many people don’t like “dieting” is because of they feel like they have to give up the things they love. This post is a reminder that’s not necessarily the case.
November 4, 2010 at 5:31 am
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Todd Boyer, Greg Hayes. Greg Hayes said: RT @PhitZone Cheat Your Way To Success http://bit.ly/czaJcI […]
November 4, 2010 at 11:19 am
@Tim, Language definitely plays a roll in how we think. Cheating has negative connotation, so it seems bad. Then again, it does get the point across. I still prefer “refueling” meal or day.
@Anne & @Greg, you’re right. BTW, I like “free” better. Being able to once in awhile go out for dinner, or order in pizza, etc. is a good thing. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we get to revert to our old ways and eat the WHOLE pizza. hahaha Been guilty of that before.
November 8, 2010 at 11:46 am
I actually just wrote something similar to this for a publication. I agree with this 100%, especially considering the holiday season is on its way.
November 8, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Of course you did, Julie. Since you’re awesome, it just stands to reason that you’d write about this as well.
November 28, 2010 at 3:13 am
nice trick,thank youu:)
November 28, 2010 at 8:05 am
@Farouk, What trick are you referring to?