I have been dieting for a LOOOOONG time and it's always pretty cool to hear a new idea. I ran into long-time friend, Elitefts Alum, and badass lifter Dave Kirschen today. He's been getting pretty cut up working his way down to the 165 class.
We were having a good chat at Hellbent Barbell, a very cool powerlifting gym in Bridgeport, CT. He was telling me about his diet and how he only allows himself a cheat meal when he's lost a pound. I thought it was a pretty novel idea.
So this got me thinking. Most people set an arbitrary day to have a cheat meal regardless of success. Hell, they may not have even lost any weight and still take their cheat. This concept dangles a nice carrot or large pizza for the dieter to go after.
I know a one-pound loss does not seem like a lot to reward oneself. That's why I would not recommend this idea to the dieter just starting out. This is more for the seasoned dieter where every pound is a grind.
What I really like is that this idea is very self-regulating as it relates to the cheat meal itself. The bigger the cheat meal, the longer it might take before you get your next one. Keep in mind you can choose to have a high-calorie meal/day instead of a cheat meal. I have gone months without a cheat meal, instead, I have used the high cal day/meal, but that's another story for another blog.
Just another trick to have in your bag people. Best of luck on your weight loss journeys.
