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Cari Fit

Cari Fit

Fitness Advice, Workout Tips, and Inspiration

When is the Best Time to Have a Cheat Meal?

I get asked all the time about “cheat meals” or “cheat days” and I’m not a big fan. Why? Well, most people tend to over do it….big time. But, if you can keep yourself in check and vow to burn it off and get right back on track – then sometimes it’s ok. But, if you are going to have a cheat meal – when should you do it? In my experience (with myself and clients) – if you are going to eat bad – it’s best to do it earlier in the day so that you have the rest of the day to burn it off and also offset the extra calories with healthy meals. If I’m going to do a cheat meal – I usually have it Saturday or Sunday morning. Not a big breakfast fan? Well, allow yourself a cheat lunch on Friday with coworkers or on Saturday.

If dinner (and drinks) is your thing and you look forward to it all week – try to save the cheat meal until Sunday. Why? If you give in on Friday or Saturday, you are more than likely to think “What the hell” and eat bad the rest of the weekend once you’ve blown your diet. But, if you eat clean and healthy all weekend and tell yourself you can wait until Sunday – odds are you will consume less during the weekend and will be ready to get back on track Monday morning. If you give in and have a cheat meal during the week or during the day on the weekend – just get right back on track after. Instead of starving yourself the rest of the day or weekend – eat 5-6 “clean” meals after. Starving yourself will just slow your metabolism and cause you to overeat again. If you eat small clean meals (even if you aren’t super hungry) – your body will get back on track and start burning fat right away (think lean meats, dairy, grains, veggies and fruit). Also, remember a cheat meal does not include dessert : ) If it’s something sweet you are after – have a clean meal and then make the dessert your splurge.

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About Me

About Me
Cari Shoemate

Hi! I'm Cari! I'm a fitness star turned Mom of 3 who lives in Houston, TX. Getting fit and healthy is a journey and one I understand well. After graduating from college I worked in a corporate setting for many years and gained a lot of weight and had an unhealthy lifestyle. Finally, after I had enough - I decided to regain my healthy lifestyle that I had in college by fitting in workouts and eating healthier. Eventually, I left my corporate job to become a full-time personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I also created Bombshell Bootcamp over 10 years ago and it has become one of Houston's top bootcamps! My passion then turned into greater opportunities to write workouts for national magazines, appear on tv doing workouts and speaking about healthy and fitness, making fitness DVD's and working with many celebrities. Fast forward a few years....and then I had my first baby! I'm now a Mom of 3 little ones and try to incorporate healthy living and exercise in our family's lives. Not only do I still blog about workouts and fitness, but I have shifted some to include family fitness, family travel, fashion, health/beauty and general lifestyle.

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