“Cheat day? No, this is like a sin for me as I can’t afford to put on that extra pound.”
If this is the first thought, you get when you heard of going out of the way of your diet plan, here is something for you.
Fighting the never-ending “whether to eat or not to eat” battle is not easy. Especially when you have the stuffed-crust pizza and double-digit scoop sundaes in front of your eyes, it is hard to deny.
The health freaks these days like the idea of having a day of the week when they can eat whatever they like without any demonic diet restrictions.
But if you are trying hard to stick to your diet plan and don’t want to cheat even on cheat day, we applaud your commitment.
Well, what if we say you can eat deliciously tantalizing treats that taste like a cheat but healthy enough to keep that conscience of yours guilt free?
Don’t believe us? Check out these 10 healthy snacks that may seem like “cheat food” but are secretly healthy and decide.
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Sweet Potato Fries: A healthy treat of fiber
Who doesn’t like the crispy bite of French fries?
For the hardcore dieter, it may seem like a dream to eat it without guilt. Well, it can be possible.
No, we are not saying to forget your diet plan.
There is a healthy alternative to typical russets- a portion of sweet potato fries.
Sweet potato has plenty of fibers that will significantly improve the nutritional value of your diet.
What about the frying part? Just forget it.
Spread the slices of sweet potatoes in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake it in the oven until golden brown.
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Cakes: The ultimate cheat with low-carbohyrate
If you think you can’t have chocolate and weight-losing dream together, you are wrong.
This chocolate cake can defy all logic of cheat day.
We are not going to use white processed flour for this cake but the gluten-free flour. You can add even more nutritional dose to this low-carb treat by adding honey instead of regular sugar.
Sprinkle some chocolate protein powder to take away the ounce of the incredible chocolatey taste while adding extra health benefits.
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Fake donuts: A million times healthier than a regular donuts
The smell of sweet donuts can make any dieter cheat. Heaving a sigh?
Don’t worry; you can have a healthier alternative to it.
Baked-not-fried, gluten-free, vegan donuts are healthier enough and can beat the taste of regular donuts. You can have it to your heart’s content without any guilt.
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Pizza: A cheat snack with heart-healthy veggies
No, we have not gone out of our mind. You can actually eat pizza without adding extra fats.
The bad rap of pizza as a king of junk food may make you add this snack in the “not to eat” list.
But a there is a trick to make this snack your cheat day friend.
Just take the thinner whole wheat or grain-based crust and throw on some heart-healthy veggies and there you go!
You have now got the deliciously healthy pizza worthy of a cheat day.
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Burger: A cheat meal with full of protein and carbohydrates
It is very hard for a burger fan to say no to this delicious treat.
Believe us; you don’t have to.
Choose whole wheat or whole grain bun and add the usual lettuce, onion, and tomato and skip the mayo.
If you want, you can even skip the bun and opt for a half of a whole wheat pita pocket.
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Zucchini Chips: A delectable treat with zero guilt
Love laying on the sofa and watching your favorite show on TV with a pack of chips on your hand?
Well, the worst thing about the chips is that once you start munching one, you just can’t stop.
With this healthy zucchini chips, you don’t have to.
Need more flavorful punch? Just dip it in egg and light breading and bake them.
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Bran Muffin: A great cheat day treat with high fiber
Being high in fiber and plenty of antioxidants when coupled with added nuts and fruit, Bran muffin makes it well worth to cheat.
Have it with a fat-free latte or a cold glass of nonfat milk as a healthier or more satisfying mid-morning snack.
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Pasta: Flavorful guilt-free cheat treat
A delightful hot plate of spaghetti and meatballs can tempt anyone to indulge in its flavor. You can have it with a little low-fat chicken meatballs modification. Just use the wheat or quinoa pasta and add no-added-sugar red sauce.
If you are a diehard fan of pasta and want to make it lean, cook two cups of fresh cherry tomatoes with chopped garlic, olive oil, salt, and freshly chopped oregano.
Cook some fresh spaghetti, drain, and toss with the tomato mixture and lastly grate some fresh Parmesan on top, and that’s it, you have the most flavorful dish to taste.
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Cream Cheese Spread and Crackers: A health freak’s delight
What can be a better cheat food than cheese while dieting? But make sure to choose the right one to keep your calorie count down and hunger at bay.
You can go for whipped cream cheese that has fewer calories than full-fat cream cheese.
Just add few tablespoons of your favorite spices to the cream cheese and add dehydrated onions or garlic and herbs. Spread the cream cheese spread on crackers and enjoy.
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Smores: Sweetness with an added dose of antioxidant
Smores create an image of the campfire and scary stories. If you are in love with the taste of Smores but afraid of gaining weight, take reduced-fat graham crackers and top it with one miniature dark chocolate bar and marshmallows.
Again add the reduced-fat graham cracker and microwave until the marshmallows melt. Now enjoy the fantastic “cheat” dessert.
Now as you know the best snacks that neither let you compromise in taste or hamper your diet plan, just go ahead and indulge!
If you are conscious about your health and need some healthy way to cut out the calories, you can check out Black Belt Protein.