Why You Need “Cheat” Days For Balance

I wanted to write a post about balance, and how important it is today for our mind and body. Being a nutritionist people often assume I eat healthy 100%, exercise all the time and go to bed by 10 pm each night. I can assure you this is not true! I am human, just like the rest of you and I do indulge in things which are not 100% healthy every single week, I always have 1 or 2 days off each week from exercise! I believe balance it’s vital for mind and body.

Living a healthy lifestyle is extremely important to me, but it’s what you do 80% of the time that counts, not what you do sometimes. If you want to lead a healthy life you shouldn’t feel it’s all or nothing. No one is perfect, I know many health enthusiasts such as nutritionists, naturopaths, personal trainers that have their ‘off’ days, and indulge in food that’s not incredibly nourishing or skips a workout because they are just not in the mood.

It’s so important that you give your mind and body a break to provide balance in your lifestyle. I encourage this with my clients as well. What you need to remember is moderation! Yes, chocolate cake, ice cream, pizza aren’t that good for your body but they are absolutely good for your mind… in moderation! Starving and depriving yourself of these foods often leads to cravings and binging down the track. Life is to be enjoyed. If you are clean with your diet 80% of the time, then 20% of the time indulge in your favourite foods and drinks, I encourage you to enjoy every single mouthful! Remember, food is abundant, it’s not going to be the last time you eat that meal or drink that drink.

I definitely have “cheat” meals each week and I don’t feel any guilt around it. I actually look forward to the meals more. Some of my favourite cheat meals are Thai takeaways, going to a Japanese restaurant with my fiancé and ordering karaage or katsu chicken drizzled in delicious sauces on white rice, dumplings, ice-cream, I enjoy a couple of glasses of wine 1-2 nights each week, or in summer I enjoy a nice cold beer in the afternoon with pizza and fries. I do limit these meals to two-three times each week, otherwise, I start to feel sluggish. I enjoy and prefer to limit these foods as I feel a lot healthier and more energized from eating nourishing foods, so the choice is yours! Unhealthy foods are good for the soul, and they are much more satisfying when you don’t consume them daily (in my opinion!).

Next time you have a “cheat meal” don’t get yourself down, remember that everything is OK in moderation. Living a healthy lifestyle includes taking care of your happiness, giving in to your favourite things and taking time to restore your mind, body, and soul. I encourage you to find balance in your life! Be kind to yourself, life is to be enjoyed, not restricted! Find your happy balance, do what makes YOU feel good!

If you are struggling to find balance, or need some guidance with your diet and lifestyle please don’t hesitate to contact me today! I’d love to help you reach your goals! 

Nat xx