8.3.11

The Cheat is On

I gained some weight recently that is why I am more conscious of what I eat. I watch my food intake and make sure that I eat in moderation. I eat rice only once a day (or sometimes none at all) and just eat the viand (fish, chicken or pork). When I get hungry, I eat oatmeal, a fruit (banana or apple) or light crackers.

Once a week, I eat something I crave. Once a week, I have a cheat day (or free day). I am a firm believer that once in a while we should relax our diet and enjoy something we want. To reward ourselves for faithfully following a healthy eating plan, to get pleasure, to keep us sane. Whatever the reason may be. Cheat days allow us to get rid of or calm our cravings, which when unsatisfied, will only lead to more unhealthy eating. Agree?

Experts say that eating foods that are higher in calories, or are not normally in our food plan, will increase our metabolism since our bodies are forced to work harder at burning the calories ingested. That sounds logical enough, right?

But cheat days, in my opinion, should be done in moderation and with discipline. I always keep in mind my plan to lose weight and with that, I do not overindulge.

So, what’s my latest cheat day treat? It’s a Caramelized Fig gelato from Caffe Ti-Amo (Greenbelt 5)!
Rich, creamy and delicious, but with less fat and calories. Definitely a healthier alternative to ice cream. Why is that so? (i) Because gelato is made using less butterfat. The typical ice cream has a fat content ranging from fourteen to twenty-five percent. On the other hand, gelato averages between five to nine percent butterfat.(ii) Ice cream is made using cream whereas gelato is made with milk. The average half-cup serving of gelato has between one-hundred-and-fifty and two hundred calories whereas full-fat ice cream usually starts at around two hundred calories and can go much higher depending on the ingredients.

Do you believe in cheat days/meals? How do you do yours?

8 comments:

Michelle said...

drooling over that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! omg!!

Hollie said...

waaaa looks delicious!

evey ♥ said...

I can so relate to you as i am following exact diet plan as urs :) but this is sinful! yummy.. now am craving for ice cream!! :P enjoy..

Femme Virtue said...

oh my oh my, that is sinful..

Gessyl said...

drooling....... everyday is cheat day for me. Hurray! haha

Krissy said...

thats actually a really good idea. i dont feel the need to have cheat days, cos i eat everything in moderation and know whats not good for my body, etc. but at the moment im trying to steer clear of asian food cos its made me put on a bit of weight (especially curry laksa all the time...and all those noodles and rice haha) so i think a cheat day just for asian food would be cool!

MariaKristela said...

How can I say no to that yummy yummy gelato? Hahaha! Thanks girls for your lovely comments! :)

Michelle said...

Experts say that eating foods that are higher in calories, or are not normally in our food plan, will increase our metabolism since our bodies are forced to work harder at burning the calories ingested. That sounds logical enough, right?

I love these experts!