Sometimes cheating is okay...really.

Sigh…

Summer is coming up, and the island girl in me needs her beachin’ body back.

So…I have decided to once again put on my workout shoes, and go back into a strict no-rice, salad, fish and vegetables only, no ice cream, French fries, cupcakes, cookies, or chocolate…. and absolutely no stardust, sparkles and pretty rainbows diet.

After browsing through April’s issue of Muscle and Performance Magazine, I was relieved. Interestingly enough, there was an article that promotes cheating…on your diet. Written by Matthew Kadey, “The Cheat Sheet” explains why it’s perfectly fine to occasionally give in to your anti-diet cravings.

If cravings are driving you crazy, don’t wallow in misery: FIGHT BACK AND CHEAT. Planned cheating can conquer cravings and even help your physique continue to progress into awesomeness.

Here's the few good reasons why:

BOOST YOUR METABOLISM
Many diets involve some degree of calorie restriction, and after a period, your brain thinks you’re in starvation mode therefore telling your body to slow down your metabolism. A break from dieting can interrupt this slowdown with your sudden intake of extra calories, keeping your metabolism revved for additional fat burning.

BOOST YOUR HORMONES
Leptin, a metabolism-revving and fat burning hormone, has the tendency to fall when calorie intake drops. Think: if your body is low on calories, it releases less leptin to keep the little energy it has. Consuming more calories increases leptin levels further boosting your metabolism.

BOOST YOUR ENERGY
Cutting down your calories can leave you feeling weary, especially during workout sessions. Occasional cheating can help restore energy, giving you more ability to train hard.

BOOST YOUR NUTRITION
Consuming foods that are not part of your diet can help you intake nutrients that you may be missing out on. For example, vitamins and anti-oxidants that aide with muscular recovery and growth not present in high-protein food can be found on carbohydrate-rich food that is not normally part of your diet regimen.

BOOST YOUR DIETING SUCCESS
Cheating in your diet program allows you a much-needed mental break from a repetitive, monotonous meal plan. You’ll look forward to your cheat day, and you’ll be able to keep your sanity during your strict diet, rather than completely falling apart and giving up. I have done this, countless of times. Yes, darling there is room for donuts or cupcakes, and flat, sexy abs ;).

BOOST YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
You can eat dinner with your friends and not have to count calories in your head. And you don’t have to spend Saturday night home alone either.

YAY. Let’s make a toast to a brand new, healthier, cheating you. “Good luck to a leaner, fitter, sexier you."

**Holds up my Krispy Kreme Donut**

Love,
Honey