Cheat Days Done Right

Cheat Days Done Right

By: Samantha Kinchen

Being an elite boxer who has to make weight means that all my meals are perfectly planned out, even down to the ounces of chicken I can have on my salads. My nutritionist lays out all the carbs, fats, and proteins I am allotted throughout each day, all built around my training. This meal plan method of eating gives me the structure that my personality craves but falls short in satisfying my craving for whipped cream saturated red-velvet cheesecake. With the heath-nut, fitness obsessed society we live in today, I’m sure I don’t stand alone in my desire for cheat days. I mean, seriously, how many days in a row can one person eat chicken and rice? There’s got to be a diet that allows an unlimited supply of Oreos, right?  Well, whoever discovers this unknown phenomenon is going to be a millionaire because I’d rather not admit the price I’d pay to indulge in guilt-free Reese cups every day. Anyways, no matter how horrible cheat days are for whatever nutrition plan, meal plan or crazy, “water only diet” you’re on, they are still a necessity for your sanity. Let me reiterate, who could possibly eat just chicken and rice forever? [pic 1]

Cheat days, however necessary, can be slightly stressful though. You have to plan out when you’re actually going to cheat and picking the day alone can give someone anxiety. It’s got to be the perfect day. A day when you don’t have to do an intense workout and can dedicate nearly the entire day to indulging in whatever craving has been consuming your Internet search history (you know you look up pictures of your favorite foods whenever you’re dieting and drool over your phone screen…or maybe that’s just me). After choosing that ideal time to fill your day filling your face, you’ve then got to choose the perfect place to eat. You’ve spent so many days being good on your eating, dreaming about all the foods you wish you could have and now you can! Which of these succulent luxuries do you choose? This decision is the hardest, but, look no further! I have the perfect cheat day restaurant and the best part is, it’s a franchise! There are 165 locations throughout the United States of none other than The Cheesecake Factory. Now, based on the name of this amazing restaurant, the rare amount of people who don’t like cheesecake might be thinking this place isn’t for them. Well, you all couldn’t be more wrong. Although The Cheesecake Factory is known for their mouth-watering cheesecake, their menu offers an overwhelming amount of other entrees comprised of burgers, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, steaks, soups, and whatever your hungry heart desires. My personal favorite is the shrimp with angel hair. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the title, this dish is nothing short of extravagant. Juicy, jumbo shrimp is sautéed with tomatoes seasoned with lemon, garlic, herbs, and fresh basil, all atop angel hair pasta cooked al dente with a touch of marinara sauce that will have your mouth exploding with flavor.