The "cheat day" is one common practice among sportsmen and athletes. For those unfamiliar with it, it is a day in which (almost) everything is allowed at the food level. A real break with the diet normally followed. This can show up in different ways. For example, for those who follow a low-calorie diet, the cheat day it is the moment when you decide to consume food without taking into account the calorie intake. Those who follow certain nutritional regimes (such as paleo, keto, vegetarian etc.) find in the cheat day the moment in which it is possible to consume food normally precluded to them.
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Differences between cheat day and cheat meal
As the name suggests, the difference is that if for the cheat day the food "sgarro" spans a whole day, in the case of cheat meal, the grant is limited to one meal only. To the cheat meal we have already dedicated an in-depth article on CrossMag to this link.
Both approaches ideally require careful attention planning e time schedule. In the case of cheat meal, some sportsmen tend to use this possibility more freely by, for example, re-entering the free meal within the framework of the macro-nutrients the body needs.
Cheat day: what advantages?
If the physical level any beneficial effects may vary based on different factors (type of diet followed, compliance with planning, etc.), a psychological level instead they tend to be more obvious.
Being able to "break the mold" from time to time, after various sacrifices and food deprivations, can represent a valid form of fulfillment for some sportsmen and athletes, and a stimulus to pursue the set goals with greater determination.
Our recommendations
Each of us is pleased to indulge in food whims, making amends from time to time. The cheat day but it must not become that moment when we stuff ourselves with food as if there were no tomorrow. Good sense and moderation first of all.
Also to be avoided too processed foods - because they are harmful to health - or foods that offer nothing from a nutritional point of view (candies, marshmallows, sugary drinks).
Finally, during the cheat day you do so as to assure you anyway protein necessary for your daily needs, so as not to compromise the growth / maintenance of muscle mass.