Cheat Days Explained

There are a lot of different ways to think of cheat days— from all-out free-for-alls, to scientific calculations, or simply a psychological paradigm shift.

Overeating can increase leptin production, which in turn boosts metabolism. Leptin also contributes to motivation, libido, and dopamine production.

To increase leptin production without completely unhinging a diet, a high-protein, high-carb, low-fat, and alcohol-free cheat day may be the key.

Psychologically, it may be effective to accept that it's only possible to stick to a diet about 80 percent of the time. The other splurges are totally natural and a-okay.