Can I have a cheat meal?

Hey,

A question I get asked often (mainly from new clients) is:

Can I have a cheat meal?

Well yes and no.

But don’t worry, before you gasp in horror at waving goodbye to your favourite food, let me explain… 

If you’ve been following a meal plan consistently in a calorie deficit, your body may begin to adapt by slowing down your metabolism (called “adaptive thermogenesis” if you want to geek out).

But tucking into a higher calorie cheat meal can counteract this.

Even research suggests an increase in calories (such as the MATADOR study) can help maintain metabolism and long-term fat loss. 😃

But if you’re at the start of your journey, having a cheat meal is a…

No — for now

Because your body hasn’t had enough time to adapt to the calorie deficit, yet.

In this phase, eating in a deficit is more important so you establish fat loss momentum. 

Tucking into cheat meals too soon can slow your progress if it pushes you out of the deficit too often.

So at the start, stick to a tailored meal plan, and when you start losing fat, then it’s a good idea to begin introducing cheat meals.

"But Kayle, does this mean I have to give up all my favourite foods and eat nothing but boring meals at the start?"

Nope. 

I know it can be tough at the start giving up your favourite foods (temporarily).

Which is why nutrition planning is a BIG part of my online one-on-one coaching.

Having a healthy meal plan doesn’t have to be bland or boring. It’s just that you’re not used to it yet.

So I ensure all my clients get a tailored nutrition plan which includes DELICIOUS recipes — brekkie, lunch, dinner, snacks, and yes… DESSERT.

Best of all, they’re quick and easy-to-make AND they don’t leave you hungry with a grumbling stomach.

So if you’re wanting to get (and stay) in shape to the point where you’re tucking into delicious meals every week and eventually introducing a cheeky cheat meal, then consider my online one-on-one coaching here:

https://www.kaylefitness.com.au/fitness-plans

Cheers,

Kayle