Why ‘Cheat Meals’ Won’t Work For You

In the context of a high performer, high achiever, and busy professional, having a cheat meal is not going to work to your benefit.

I’ve talked about this topic and have also posted it on social media. In this article, I’ll elaborate on why you shouldn’t think of your diet as black and white and how a cheat meal will derail you from achieving your health goals. 

The terms "cheat meal" and "treat meal" are often used interchangeably, but they can carry different connotations and psychological impacts for individuals depending on how they perceive them.

A ‘cheat meal’ is a term traditionally used in fitness and dieting circles to refer to a meal where someone indulges in foods that are typically considered unhealthy or not part of their regular diet plan. It's a temporary departure from the usual eating habits, often enjoyed as a reward or to satisfy cravings. People may have cheat meals for various reasons, such as to boost metabolism, satisfy psychological cravings, or simply to enjoy food without restriction for a short period.

However, the concern has nothing to do with the type of food consumed, it’s the psychological impact of the term itself: Cheat meal. Why should I feel like I’m cheating when I eat?

How do you feel when you apply the word “cheat “to your food? Does it feel natural and easy, or does it make you feel like you need to be hiding something?

What’s a Cheat Meal?

A cheat meal implies deviating from one's regular diet plan or eating habits, often without a specific purpose other than temporary indulgence.

Psychologically, the term "cheat" may carry negative connotations such as guilt, shame, or a sense of failure. It can reinforce the idea of food as something to be controlled or avoided, which may lead to disordered eating patterns or an unhealthy relationship with food. Particularly if you are prone to stress eating, burnout, have irregular eating patterns and no structure to your nutrition, and already feeling fatigued!

While a cheat meal might provide short-term satisfaction, it can also perpetuate cycles of overeating and guilt, undermining long-term health and wellness goals.

What’s a Treat Meal?

If you are looking at eating foods that are “out of your normal diet” and you are doing so with stress or emotional eating removed, you may want to consider the term “treat meal”.  The word “treat” may feel a little nicer and kinder to you.

A treat meal is typically seen as a positive indulgence, planned as a reward for adhering to a healthy diet or achieving certain fitness goals.

Psychologically, a treat meal can serve as motivation and reinforcement for maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine. It can provide a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment without guilt.

People often associate treat meals with positive emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and pleasure. This can contribute to a healthier relationship with food by removing feelings of deprivation or restriction.

The psychological impact of these terms largely depends on individual perceptions and attitudes toward food and dieting. Some people may find treat meals to be a helpful tool for maintaining balance and motivation, while others might experience negative emotions associated with the concept of cheating on their diet.

Alongside the points raised above, I also want you to consider these two points:

1.       It's important for individuals to choose language and practices that support a healthy relationship with food and promotes sustainable habits.

2.       It's important to practice moderation and not overdo it with cheat meals or treat meals, as they can potentially undermine progress towards health and fitness goals if consumed too frequently or excessively.

If you are noticing that emotional/stress eating or a lack of structure with your nutrition is stopping you from looking and feeling the way you want to, find a time to today to book a call to see if one of my programs is the right fit for you.