03/08/2023
How Cheat Meals Can Help You Lose Weight.
For the first time, the concept appeared among professional bodybuilders.
It is believed that a cheat meal is a meal that is a deception, where a person can refuse a restrictive and carefully calculated dietary regimen for the short-term intake of “forbidden” foods, regardless of their amount or composition of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates).
My fellow bodybuilders shared their experience of cheat meals while preparing for competitions.
So, the main thing is to use the cheat meal only on a no-carb and low-carb diet. And that in itself is extreme.
This is not a whole day of gluttony, but only one meal and not at night. Someone makes cheat meals every 2 weeks, someone more often. “Shredding” is the processing of dropping body fat to extremely low levels for 3-4 months, and requires tremendous willpower.
Athletes believe that through loading meals, the following goals can be achieved:
Firstly, psychological unloading, which is the most important component of preparation for competitions. Periodic cheat meals help to come to the start in the best shape and not break into an uncontrollable “feast”. Bodybuilders say that after a cheat meal with their favorite foods, it is easier to return to the diet the next day. Probably, the fear of losing shape also plays the role, and the cheat meal the day before disciplines them even more.
Secondly, the improvement of thyroid function, which slows down on a long carbohydrate-free diet. The thyroid gland needs carbohydrates. In the morning, as bodybuilders say, you always look visually “drier” and fuller in the muscles.
Thirdly, unloading the gastrointestinal tract from large amounts of protein consumed during low-carbohydrate-low-fat days.
Cons of cheat meals in preparation for competitions.
Many complain of pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Of course, the pancreas works differently for everyone, and such a sudden load can make itself felt.
Therefore, athletes trys different training methods, studies the body and chooses for themself what suits best.
Do ordinary people need cheat meals for weight loss?
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of cheat meals for weight loss. In fact, there are some studies that show that a cheat meal diet can stop weight loss or even cause weight gain. Study participants were unable to lose as much weight as participants who followed a consistent diet. The study also notes that physical activity played a smaller role in weight loss than diet.
Cheat meals can also create the feeling that the diet is all or nothing over time. That if you don't strictly follow this plan, you will fail. It's possible to have a healthy diet that doesn't exclude anything, but simply shifts the focus to portion control, helps shift the focus to more mindful eating that works towards building healthy habits and improving the quality of life.
Remember, it's all about balance and maintaining a positive relationship with food.
What experience do you have with cheat mils? Share in the comments.⬇️😉