Will "Cheat Days" Ruin My Progress? - Upfit Academy
Will “Cheat Days” Ruin My Progress?

Some diet strategies work only if you’re on a restrictive diet. Having cheat days is one of those strategies. It’s the theory that allowing yourself one meal a week to eat food not allowed or high-calorie food can keep your metabolism fires burning high and address any cravings you have. These may be junk food days or days high in sugar. There are several problems with this theory and several reasons it might work. While it may slow down weight loss, it does teach people that eating a forbidden food isn’t a reason to give up. It can help people delay gratification until their cheat meal.

A cheat meal isn’t a green light for gluttony.

Cheat days are times when you might indulge in a piece of cake with a meal or have a burger, fries, and shake. It’s a day where you give in to a craving but with a few limitations. If you choose cake on a cheat day, don’t eat the whole cake. Only eat one serving. Cheat days help prevent the mindset of failure and deprivation. There’s a downside to this. If you’re trying to give up food with added sugar and have struggled, it ignites those sugar cravings. Sugar is addictive.

You might keep your metabolism fires burning brightly with cheat days.

If you’re on an extremely low-calorie diet, it can affect your metabolism. Your body realizes food is scarce and conserves calories for vital functions. It’s necessary to remain alive and keep the body functioning when food is scarce. Cheat days may increase leptin production, the satiety hormone that helps prevent overeating. They may reboot your metabolism. Studies show that cheat days can increase metabolism by as much as 10%, but that boost lasts only about 24 hours.

Everybody is different and has their own “best method” to lose weight.

For some people, cheat days work. They understand they don’t have to give up their favorite food forever and can have it on their cheat day. In other words, they eat like most healthy people eat. It helps eliminate the shame of cheating and teaches moderation. For others, it can retrigger sugar, fat, and junk food cravings. Sugar is addictive. That’s why many foods contain it. It can slow weight loss progress and affect motivation.

  • Cheat days may keep your workout at peak performance. It replenishes glycogen stores in your muscles. If glycogen reserves are low, you’ll fatigue quicker. It’s the same reason for eating pre-workout snacks.
  • Some people plan cheat days around special events like holiday gatherings. It helps them enjoy the day more without feeling guilty about what they eat.
  • People with eating disorders should not use cheat days. It can cause unhealthy cycles of binging and then dramatically restricting food consumption.
  • We don’t recommend restrictive diets but instead focus on eating healthier and changing habits. People who never have a weight problem often have instinctive cheat days. They eat healthy most of the time, but when they choose, indulge themselves with unhealthy food they love.

For more information, contact us today at UpFit Training Academy

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Christover Covill

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Christover Covill

★★★★★

UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

P

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David Zheng

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S

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UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

J

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Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!

D

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UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!

Jessica Shirinian

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UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!

C

Cassiel Davis

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Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

Nicole Boonjakuakul

★★★★★

Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.

I

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Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

T

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oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.

Tracy Wu

★★★★★

UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

★★★★★

New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!

Christover Covill

★★★★★

UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

P

Paul Park

★★★★★

Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!

B

BK

★★★★★

UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!

D

David Zheng

★★★★★

UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.

S

Seung Hyun Lee

★★★★★

UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

J

Jennifer Quinones

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!

D

Diana You

★★★★★

UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!

Jessica Shirinian

★★★★★

UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!

C

Cassiel Davis

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

Nicole Boonjakuakul

★★★★★

Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.

I

Isabella Arias

★★★★★

Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

T

Tracy Cox

★★★★★

oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.

Tracy Wu

★★★★★

UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

★★★★★

New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!

Christover Covill

★★★★★

UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

P

Paul Park

★★★★★

Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!

B

BK

★★★★★

UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!

D

David Zheng

★★★★★

UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.

S

Seung Hyun Lee

★★★★★

UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

J

Jennifer Quinones

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!

D

Diana You

★★★★★

UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!

Jessica Shirinian

★★★★★

UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!

C

Cassiel Davis

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

Nicole Boonjakuakul

★★★★★

Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.

I

Isabella Arias

★★★★★

Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

T

Tracy Cox

★★★★★

oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.

Tracy Wu

★★★★★

UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

★★★★★

New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!

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