I've been using the idea of the "cheat day" for a long time now because I just don't have the willpower to stick to a diet for very long before I need take a break. I finally just accepted cheating as a necessary means to an end: if I can't cheat now and then I'm not able to stick to a diet. And I need to diet. Simple as that.

But it seems that my weakness isn't so bad after all. I came across an article that says cheat days are to your diet what vacation time is for your job. "It's the down time that allows you to recover and return to your work with a clearer sense of purpose." So if you consider that your diet is "work," (and I think most people would agree with that!) then you need "vacation time," or the occasional ice cream binge, to stay focused and clear on your weight-loss objectives. You need the break to continue on effectively. Makes total sense to me!

The trick is to only take "cheat days" occasionally, and not all the time. Again, consider vacation time from your job. Obviously, a weekly "Doritos Days" or "Sundae Sunday" is going to wreak havoc on your waistline instead of help it!