Cheat Day

I usually plan cheat day in advance- Usually we have a night we are going out to dinner, or hanging out with friends. Since my "diet" (really just eating healthy) goes for 6 days a week, with occasional cheats like a drink or chips and salsa, I look forward to a full, non-guilt inducing, cheat day. I used to let drinking count as a cheat day but that really led to me feeling deprived during the week. After all, a beer is not a good substitute for a brownie :) I have to be good, and eat healthy and if a drink fits into my calorie/workout schedule that that is the only way I should have it (obviously, I don't always follow my own rules...)

This weekend though, my cheat day was unplanned- it happened a little more on accident and I have to say it was far less satisfying that way.

Breakfast was 2 pieces of bacon (free range-organic of course :) and French toast.
Lunch was Psgettis. Garlic bread and pasta with meat sauce and some iceberg salad. And since i was eating with my in-laws; a glass of wine :)
dinner was 2 pieces cheese pizza and dessert was birthday cake.
Snack later was homemade popcorn and another glass of red wine.

The day was not a good one at all- first of all, not a single fruit or veggie! (no, iceberg does not count) More importantly though, I don't think I even enjoyed the cheat day, which is worse then not having one at all!

Lunch was eaten with Collin - my 15 month old - on my lap.
For me this is the hardest situation to eat well in. I am distracted and it is nearly impossible for me to monitor what goes in, how full I am and to make good decisions while I am also feeding my son at the very same time. It makes it especially difficult when I didn't cook or know what really went into my meal.

This has lead to the decision that from now on, I will FORCE myself to pay attention to what I am doing at each meal. If I anticipate being too busy/distracted to do so, I will at the very least prepare. I will prepare by figuring out how hungry I really am, and if I know I will be distracted at the meal, I will have a healthy snack before I eat. Even just a big glass of water will help me slow down and really monitor what I am eating each meal. I will also only make cheat meals/days, ones that I can really enjoy. So no more eating while feeding my kid on my lap while sitting on white carpet. Because thats not fun for anyone :)

The whole idea of a cheat day is to REALLY enjoy it, because that is what helps motivate for the upcoming week. So, lesson learned. I havent decided if this week's cheat day will be on Tuesday or Saturday, but I will be sure to write about it!

Here's to having an amazing week!
Mimi