“Off Meals”

My Thoughts on “Off Meals”

A question I an often asked is, “Do you ever eat bad,” to which my response is, “HECK YEAH!” If I never did, it wouldn’t be as easy to remain so lean. Here are my thoughts on “off meals”.
 
1)Whatcha Call It? I prefer to call them “bliss meals.” A “cheat meal” has such a negative connotation and makes me feel like it is something I should not be eating at all. I think that’s part of the reason why people beat themselves up over their off meal. The bottom line is it tastes good and I’m going to enjoy every bite of it without the guilt!

2)Off Meals are Good. After adhering to such strict nutrition during a competition season like I do, what would be considered “junk” for others is actually good for me because  my body needs the shock of higher fat/sugary foods for a short period of time. It’s sort of like rebooting your computer after it has been running continuously for days. It needs a break to continue running effectively. Think of junk food for a competition body as the same.

3)Enjoy Them. Remember, that your ability to adhere to a nutritional plan is mental. If you beat yourself up over a few brownies , a slice or 2 of pizza, and a liter of pop (soda), then you don’t even get to enjoy your meal because you are so worried about its caloric value and all the cardio you’ll have to do after. Forget about it and enjoy the dang meal!!

4)When to Eat Them. You have to learn what works for you. Preplanned bliss days don’t work for me b/c it is too structured for my off season. If I want to eat it I do, then I make nutritional changes throughout the day (if I eat it early) or the next day as necessary (if I eat it late). Many people do preplanned off days so they can structure their week accordingly. I’ve also see people do rotating days. Try different methods and see what works.

5)Moderation? I was taught that “moderation is key.” Unfortunately “moderation” of certain foods has never been my strong point. When it comes to “bliss meals” I’m an all or nothing kind of girl. (Not the best quality, but it’s me.) I’ve learned that I can’t buy an entire pack of cookies and just eat 3; the whole pack always seemed to disappear. What I do is only buy what I will eat during that one meal. It does make it a bit more expensive, but it is only an occasional thing. If I order a pizza I eat what I want and give the rest away (never throw away b/c I don’t like to waste). I can’t bring gallons of ice cream, big bags of chips, or multiple king-sized anything into my house. It just won’t work. And the hide it in the back of the pantry trick doesn’t work either. My “food weaknesses” just can’t be in the house, or if they are, it just makes it more difficult for me. If moderation works, for you great. If the tempting food has to be in the house, maybe you can try and ask others to not let you know when they bring it in or to keep it out of your sight.

Like I said before, learn what works for you through trial and error. Don’t hold something as a definitive truth just because someone else said it worked. Be a skeptic, try it for yourself, and come to your own conclusion. Good Luck!