Tahir Raj Bhasin says cheat meals are important, else ‘your system would rebel out of boredom’; here’s why

Sunday binges are a must. No, it’s not us but Tahir Raj Bhasin saying so. Ummm yes, also us. According to the Sultan of Delhi actor, cheat days are important. Why you ask? That’s because “they make your system appreciate what it’s set for. If you were to just eat all vegetables, rice, and chicken, your system would rebel out of boredom. Sundays are my days,” Bhasin said on Khaane Me Kya Hai.

He further admitted that his Force 2 co-star John Abraham has been a source of inspiration for his fitness journey. “Even if he wasn’t an actor, John Abraham would be fit. I have adapted a lot of things from him. Not 100 per cent. But he was gracious enough to let me use a trainer while shooting. He taught me that simple lifestyle changes can be part of the routine because your body adapts to the schedule and routine quickly. It’s the quantity of food you eat, and how much water you drink. Your body responds better if you do the same thing every day. Getting the basics right,” said Bhasin, who loathes broccoli, despite it being “super healthy”.

Taking a cue from Bhasin’s revelation, let’s understand why cheat meals are essential.

Sometimes sticking to a diet leads to feelings of deprivation. “Cheat meals offer a psychological break and help to keep you motivated to continue to follow the diet,” said Dr Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist, founder, Nutracy Lifestyle.

Emphasising that a cheat meal is a type of reset button from healthy eating habits throughout the month, Dr Rajiv Manek, consultant general laparoscopic, metabolic, and bariatric surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road said such meals don’t hurt your diet. “A cheat meal is a reminder that eating healthy food does not mean you have to say goodbye to your favourite foods such as pizza, pasta, chocolate, French fries, vada pav, cheese sandwiches, and donuts. They are equally important in aiding your weight management journey,” said Dr Manek.

According to Dr Manek, a cheat meal helps boost the levels of leptin, a type of hormone responsible for notifying the brain when you are hungry. “When you are on a strict calorie-restricted diet, your metabolism starts to slow down. This can make it challenging for you to lose weight. By eating a cheat meal, you are signaling your body that there’s no need to panic and everything is in control,” explained Dr Manek.

Occasional cheat meals help prevent binge eating, as they “address the craving in a controlled manner,” said Dr Patil.

What does your cheat meal look like? (Source: Freepik)

This way, a cheat meal can boost your metabolism. It also helps create a healthy relationship with foods providing you with joy and satisfaction while eating, mentioned Dr Manek. Agreeing, Dr Patil shared that having planned cheat meals reinforces your commitment towards your goal and discipline. “It acts like a kind of reward for your healthy eating,” said Dr Patil.

However, planning is key to control portion size. “If you are about to go to an event or social gathering with an extremely yummy menu, then make sure that you don’t go overboard with your cravings. Eating in portion sizes can help prevent overeating which can significantly affect overall weight,” said Dr Manek.

What more to consider?

Be cautious and ensure that a cheat meal doesn’t translate into cheat days or weeks at a stretch, urged Dr Manek. You can also make cheat meals at home with nutritious ingredients or substitutes that have the same taste but are healthier. “Choose quality food and avoid overeating,” said Dr Patil.

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