She Strengthens

Embracing Mindful Eating: Why “Cheat Days” Might Be Holding You Back

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve never been one to categorize my diet into “good” and “bad” days. Food, in all its forms, is a pleasure to be savored. However, as a faithful Catholic, I do observe the season of Lent, which requires me to make temporary changes to my eating habits. This year, I chose to cut back on sweets and alcohol, with Sundays being my built-in “treat” days. But as I tuned in to my physical cues around hunger, fullness, and cravings, I realized that these “cheat days” were disrupting my normally mindful eating habits.

The Dark Side of “Cheat Days”

At first, “cheat days” seemed harmless, even beneficial, allowing us to indulge in our favorite treats and preventing more serious lapses later on. But as I delved deeper, I began to question their place in an intuitive eating framework. Cheat days can interfere with our enjoyment of food, driving us to eat more than we desire or choose foods we don’t genuinely want. This can lead to disordered eating patterns, triggered by our brain’s sense of appetite rather than actual hunger.

The Guilt and Shame Cycle

The language we use around “cheat days” is telling. We often make statements of moral judgment, confessing to being “naughty” or “falling off the wagon.” This promotes a belief that enjoying food is bad, when in fact, savoring flavors and textures is a hallmark of mindful eating. By condemning ourselves for indulging, we create a cycle of guilt, shame, and restriction.

The Freedom of Intuitive Eating

Rather than relying on “cheat days,” an intuitive eating approach gives us the freedom to make our own choices at all times. This means cultivating permission to eat all foods whenever we want, without labeling them as healthy or unhealthy. By doing so, we can break free from the burden of “regular” eating days and find joy in our food choices.

What Works for You?

While “cheat days” might work for some, they can be detrimental to others. If you find that having certain days set aside helps you stay on track, that’s okay. But consider reframing your indulgence as a celebration of food rather than breaking the rules. And remember, what looks like “cheating” for you might be a normal day for someone else.

An Alternative Approach

If “cheat days” seem to do more harm than good, try shifting to a more generous intuitive eating approach. This 10-principle philosophy encourages listening to your body’s needs and desires, allowing physical cues to determine what and when you eat. By doing so, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with food and your body.