Many folks have asked so I will answer... "Meg, do you allow yourself a cheat day".
My answer is, it depends on your definition. You see this isn't a diet for me, but a lifestyle. I do the things I do (eat well, exercise most everday) because I want to feel good. Eating junk doesn't make me feel good. It might be "good" going down, but a couple of minutes later, my tummy starts to rumble and then you know the rest of that story. I don't feel good. I don't have energy. I am tired and sluggish. And the next day after eating poorly, I have what I consider a food hangover. So, do I eat "perfectly" everday? No. Do I eat things that are a little less nutrient dense occasionally? YES. but the key is moderation. I believe in balance, nothing in excess. So if you are craving chocolate, have a nickel size piece of organic, dark chocolate. Be sure that before you "indulge" you define your portion and you determine why you want that.
So I turn the question back to you. Are you eating/cheating for an emotional reason? Are you really just thirsty? Are you really just tired and need a "pick me up"? Is it because you are with someone else who is "pigging out" and needs company?
If you answer yes to any of those questions, reconsider the choice before the food crosses your lips!
It's as simple as this. You wouldn't dump a sack of sugar into the gas tank of your car every now and then just to save money because sugar is cheaper than gasoline-- would you? Your car will shut down, right? So does your body.
Think about it.
