WHY I DON’T RECOMMEND A “CHEAT” DAY!

I believe food shaming is a root cause of disordered eating and the foundation of a poor relationship with food. Although I do not accept “food-like-substances”, I think ALL REAL foods have a place. This is why I don’t believe in a “cheat day” like many dietitians recommend. This concept conditions the mind and body to believe the consumption is devious or bad. I believe in a mindful indulgence! This is conscious consumption of a food that may be higher in sugar or calories and enjoying the process.

Think of a cupcake for instance…I believe even cupcakes have their place in optimal eating for some people. Now what that cupcake is comprised of is of course what will make it a real food or not. Artificial colorants, preservatives, refined chemical sweeteners…these “ingredients” do not make a real cupcake, but butter, unenriched flour, unrefined cane sugar, vanilla bean, these are ingredients that create an indulgence.

Now what about gluten some of you are thinking…yes for many of you a gluten-free flour would be a better fit! For others a flourless base of almond-meal would be the best alternative. Either way, starting with real foods allows you to nourish your body and fulfill your cravings which are human nature and often allow for healthy hormonal response vs. repression. I always say over-restriction leads to over-compensation.

Find a way to make harmony with your body and satisfy your cravings while still respecting it.

By this I mean, if you feel shitty after having gluten with abdominal bloating, anxiety, or joint pain, give it up and find an indulgence that both tastes AND feels good!

It is with this focus that I created an indulgence chapter in my Naturally Nourished cookbook. I want you all to honor your body and your cravings while gaining the benefits of food-as-medicine. Creating balanced indulgences allows you to feel satisfied and fall in love with whole foods!