Cheat Day Delights: Unhealthy Foods I Indulge In and Why

For many, the thought of 'cheat days' evokes images of indulgences and unhealthy food choices. In my personal experience, however, things aren’t always as they seem. Let's dive into the world of cheat days and explore what kinds of unhealthy foods I like to eat while maintaining a balanced approach.

Introduction to My Cheat Days

When my cheat day comes around, it’s a time for relaxation and indulgence, but it’s not about downing every unhealthy food under the sun. In the past, my cheat days have involved simple pleasures like a few potatoes and some biscuits in my tea. However, I've recently decided that the next time around, I'll be feasting on something more hearty and traditional: battered haddock with chips and peas, again finishing off with some biscuits for a little extra tea time indulgence.

A Potentially Addictive Question

This question about cheat days might seem harmless, but for some, it can be an open door to a world of food fantasies. Here's a list of some of the indulgences that come to mind:

Hamburgers

One of the most impactful cheat foods I’ve encountered are colossal hamburgers—weighing a pound or more. My record stands at eating two pounds of beef in a single day, and it wasn’t a challenge; I was simply ravenous. This was a record set before challenges became a trend. Eating such an enormous amount of meat might seem excessive, but when you’re truly hungry, it’s hard to resist.

Sushi

Sushi is another indulgence that I firmly adhere to in moderation. While I can’t enjoy more than three to five rolls due to cost considerations, I do indulge in this dish post-workout, especially three rolls. Despite the notable macronutrient intake, I feel amazing after this carb-loading. The key here is the timing, allowing the body to absorb the nutrients properly.

Moms Food

Moms are culinary artistry in their own right. One of the go-to cheat days for me is enjoying a pile of my mother’s tortillas, which are generously large. Alongside, I can't resist a hearty plate of beans, rice, and about 8-10 ounces of chicken. For the drinks, I stick to water or coffee to keep things simple and straightforward.

Eggs

Eggs have been a staple in my diet since childhood, especially during my teenage years. Back then, I would consume about a dozen eggs a day. That's right, one dozen per day! While this may sound alarming, it was due to a short-lived condition called hypercholesterolemia, which forced a significant reduction in my egg intake. Now, I limit myself to a maximum of eight eggs daily.

Tacos and Tortas

For the true cheat meal, I’m a big fan of post-workout indulgences like tacos and tortas stuffed with beef tongue. These dishes can be both nutritious and tasty, providing satisfying carbs and essential benefits. The key is portion control, as the high cholesterol content can become problematic if not managed well. I enjoy having 6-8 ounces of beef tongue daily because it feels like a luxurious treat that leaves me feeling great and fully satisfied.

IHOP Specialties

The pinnacle of cheat meal indulgence for me has to be IHOP. On a benefit cheat day, I can easily devour three to five plates of my favorites, such as pancakes, a plate of hash browns, eggs, bacon, and a country fried steak, all paired with biscuits and gravy. Believe it or not, I’ve done something similar at Dennys, but the waitstaff seemed puzzled at the sheer volume of food I consumed. Their reactions only added to my satisfaction, making it all the more memorable.

Conclusion

In the realm of cheat days, indulgences don’t have to be unhealthy. By focusing on foods that provide both enjoyment and nutrition, we can maintain a balanced approach without compromising our health. Whether it's a simple biscuit with tea, a massive hamburger, sushi, or a mother’s homemade meal, the key is moderation and enjoying the process.