This is why I don't believe in the concept of "cheat".
When you call it a "cheat" - whether it's a meal, a day, whatever, you're automatically using language that creates guilt and encourages you to go wild and not pay any attention. Cheating is inherently BAD ... it's wrong, no one should be caught cheating. Right?
It's word laden with negative connotations.
I don't cheat. I mean ... I'm living this journey, so what would I be cheating on? My life?
I do have days when I relax a bit. I allow myself a TREAT once in a while (and a TREAT implies one thing - something worth waiting for an indulging in, not a huge binge). I allow myself a meal where I don't count calories once a week. But that's not a "cheat" because there's nothing and no one to "cheat" on. It's not a test. It's not a marriage. It's a way of life - MY LIFE. And I *choose* what I eat - whether it's healthy, or not.
I realize that this might sound like splitting hairs or playing semantic games, but words are important. And words are especially important when you're trying to change your habits and your life.
If you tell yourself you're "cheating" all the time - then you're telling yourself to feel guilty.
If you tell yourself you're "treating" once in a while - then you feel like you're having something worthwhile and worth savouring, rather than gorging on.
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