My Cheatin' Heart

As a five-month participant overall in Biggest Loser or Loserville, I consider myself an expert on the art of weight-loss (or at least an expert who is able to read and try what true experts suggest I guess...)

One big principle of "The Abs Diet," which my team is devoted to, is the "cheat meal." Yes, for one meal a week, we are allowed to eat anything we want, as much as we want. It can be breakfast, lunch, dinner, you name it -- just like old times.

The idea is that if you are allowed to indulge yourself every once in a while, you are able to focus more often on doing things right. It's kind of like rewarding your kids with pizza for doing work around the house (yes, I read your blog, CDJ!). You know at the end of the day there's going to be something you enjoy.

I try to reserve my cheat meals for Monday at lunch, specifically Chinese food. It's only a couple of hours after the weigh-in, and I get almost a full week of Abs Diet and workouts. It's also a reward for losing whatever small amount of poundage that might show up on the scale.

The funny thing now is that since we started this thing way back Jan. 2 I've found that I can't eat as much as I used to. I get physically ill when I stuff myself. It's like lap-band surgery without the lap-band. So even though I get my Chinese food or Tex-Mex occasionally, or even a big burger off the grill this past Monday, I don't gorge myself. My body won't allow it.

But the food is still good and I have no guilt eating it, no guilt at all, once a week.

Don't make it a cheat day, now. It's a cheat meal. One time. And if you are good the rest of the week with your choices and your physical activity, I guarantee you will continue to lose weight and feel good about yourself. And you won't have all those cravings all the time.

The cheat meal is actually what is keeping me sane through this process. Just thought I'd share it with everyone.