Keto cheat days – what are they and why you should have them
A keto cheat day is when you eat foods that are high in carbs and calories, but that are also keto-friendly. This can be a great way to enjoy your favorite foods without feeling guilty, and it can also help you stay on track with your diet.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you are planning a keto cheat day. First, you should make sure that you are getting enough protein and fat. This will help you feel fuller longer and avoid blood sugar spikes. Second, you should limit your cheat day to one or two meals. Eating too many high-carb foods can kick you out of ketosis and stall your weight loss. Finally, you should make sure that you don’t overdo it. Eating too much on a cheat day can undo all of your hard work and set you back on your weight loss journey.
If you are looking for some recipes to help you stick to your diet, check out our collection of keto-friendly recipes. We have everything from breakfast options to dessert choices, so you can find something to suit every taste.
The benefits of cheat days on a keto diet
If you’re thinking of starting a keto diet, or you’re already on one, you may be wondering about cheat days. Are they allowed? What are the benefits?
First, let’s define what a cheat day is. A cheat day is when you eat foods that are not part of your normal diet. For example, if you’re on a keto diet, a cheat day would involve eating carbohydrates.
There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to cheat days on a keto diet. Some people believe that they are essential in order to stick to the diet long-term. Others believe that they can actually stall weight loss and should be avoided.
So, what are the benefits of cheat days on a keto diet? Let’s take a look:
1. Cheat days can help to prevent cravings.
2. Cheat days can help you stick to your diet long-term.
3. Cheat days can increase your metabolism.
4. Cheat days can help you lose weight in the long run.
5. Cheat days can help to improve your mental health
Are chickpeas keto friendly
Technically speaking, you’re not supposed to cheat on the keto diet. But let’s face it, sometimes you just want a cheat meal (or an entire cheat day!) This doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel on your ketosis goals—you can still enjoy some of your favorite foods, as long as you do it in moderation.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to have a successful keto cheat day, including what to eat and what to avoid. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to minimize the damage and get right back on track.
What is a keto cheat day?
A keto cheat day is when you eat foods that are high in carbs and/or calories, which causes your body to go out of ketosis. This usually happens once in a while—for example, if you have a party or holiday where there will be tempting foods that are off-limits on the keto diet.
What happens when you cheat on keto?
When you eat foods that are high in carbs and/or calories, your body will start using glucose for energy instead of ketones. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and cravings for more sugary foods. Plus, it can take a few days (or even up to a week) for your body to get back into ketosis after cheating.
So what should you eat on a keto cheat day? The key is moderation—you don’t want to overdo it and sabotage all your hard work. Here are some ideas for what you can include in your meal plan:
-Starchy vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn
-Fruit: berries, bananas, grapes
-Nuts and seeds: pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds
-Dairy: milk, yogurt, cheese
-Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice
-Legumes: chickpeas, beans
What foods to eat on a keto cheat day
If you’re following a ketogenic diet, chances are that you’re doing it for the weight loss benefits. And while cheating on your diet might not sound like the best way to lose weight, research has shown that strategic cheat days can actually help you reach your goals.
So if you’re thinking about incorporating a cheat day into your keto diet, here’s everything you need to know.
What is a cheat day?
A cheat day is when you eat foods that are high in carbs and calories, typically foods that you would avoid while following a ketogenic diet. For most people, a cheat day will be one day per week where they “ indulge” in their favorite high-carb foods.
What are the benefits of cheating on a keto diet?
There are a few potential benefits of cheating on a keto diet:
-It can help prevent weight loss plateaus: If you’ve been following a keto diet for awhile, chances are that you’ve hit a weight loss plateau at some point. Cheating on your diet can help “shock” your body and jumpstart your weight loss again.
-It can increase your leptin levels: Leptin is a hormone that helps to regulate appetite and metabolism. When leptin levels are low, it can make it harder to lose weight. Cheating on your diet can help increase leptin levels, which may make it easier to lose weight in the long-term.
-It can boost your mood: Let’s face it, diets can be tough to stick to. And when you’re feeling deprived, it can take a toll on your mood. Having a cheat day gives you something to look forward to and can help improve your overall mood and wellbeing.
Are there any risks associated with cheating on a keto diet?
While there are some potential benefits of cheating on a keto diet, there are also some risks that you should be aware of:
-You may gain weight: This is the most obvious risk associated with cheating on any diet. If you consume too many calories or too many carbs, you will most likely see an increase on the scale.
-You may struggle to get back into ketosis: Once you break your fast and start eating carbs again, your body will begin to produce glucose (sugar) for energy. This can make it difficult for your body to transition back into using ketones for energy (a process known as “ketosis”). As such, it may take awhile for you to start seeing the benefits of being in ketosis again (such as increased energy levels and fat loss).
Bottom line: Cheating on a keto diet can have some potential benefits, but there are also some risks that you should be aware of before indulging.If you do choose to cheat, be sure to do so in moderation and be mindful of the foods that you eat
What foods to avoid on a keto cheat day
On a keto cheat day, you’ll want to avoid all high-carb foods. This includes anything made with flour, sugar, or other refined carbs. You should also avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and peas. And steer clear of fruit, juices, and other sugary foods.
In general, you’ll want to stick to whole, unprocessed foods on a keto cheat day. This means avoiding pre-made meals and snacks, as well as any processed oils or sweeteners.
Here are some specific food examples to avoid on a keto cheat day:
-Bread
-Pasta
-Rice
-Cereal
-Fruit
-Juice
-Soda
-Beer
-Chips
-Crackers
Cookies
Cake