You’ve worked hard all week. You have slain your fitness goals and stuck to your meal plan religiously. Now it’s time to kick back and relax with a well-deserved cheat meal. However, many people shy away from cheat meals, thinking that they will completely derail their diet and set them back. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. If cheat meals are correctly handled, they can be highly beneficial and healthy for you!

Having one or two cheat meals a week can help you reach your fitness goals. They boost your metabolism and help you burn fat more quickly. Cheat meals improve muscle synthesis and help your muscles grow. They also reward you for your hard work and help you stick to a stricter meal plan for the rest of the week.

When considering what to eat for your cheat meal, the essential factor is to eat what you are craving. If there is a particular food you can’t get out of your mind, give in to your desire. Next, look for ways to increase the nutritional value of that meal. Add as many vegetables as you can, include some healthy fats, and make sure that it is loaded with protein.

Here are ten healthy cheat meals:

Meal #1: Pizza

Pizza is a great way to get all of your nutritional requirements in one convenient meal. Pizza is highly satisfying and can fulfill your cravings for a cheat meal.

To create the healthiest pizza possible, load up on veggies and meat. This will give you all the vitamins and minerals that you need. Plus, it will provide you with the protein your muscles need to recover and grow strong.

Meal #2: Steak dinner

If you are craving a steak dinner, go ahead and indulge! Steak is high in protein and will keep you full for a long time. To make this meal as healthy as possible, pair your beef with a baked potato and veggies. You can also order steak from a meal delivery service like Meels.

Meal #3: Burger

Who doesn’t love a delicious burger? This is probably one of the most commonly sought out cheat meals, and for a good reason – burgers are indulgent! To make the most of your burger meal, switch out your regular fries for sweet potato and add a salad on the side to get in your greens.

Meal #4: Pasta

Pasta is excellent comfort food. It is warm and filling and can bring back childhood memories of cozy family meals. Plus, it can be very healthy for you with a few tweaks.

Instead of regular pasta, choose whole wheat instead. Add in lots of veggies and top with low-fat parmesan cheese.

Meal #5: Pancakes

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. It wakes you up and gives you energy. A heaping stack of pancakes is a great cheat meal that will leave you feeling full until lunch. Try out protein pancakes to boost your muscle growth and top it off with sugar-free syrup.

Meal #6: Pad thai

If you crave something spicy and super filling for your cheat meal, why not opt for pad thai? This dish has a wholesome combination of noodles, veggies, and a protein of your choice. It will quench your cravings.

Meal #7: Burritos

Mexican food is a spicy way to kick your cheat meal up a notch. Plus, choosing an option like burritos can be a very healthy choice! Burritos are full of beans that are high in proteins and healthy carbohydrates. You can add your choice of veggies to get all your micronutrients and to top it all off, add a dollop of guac for some healthy fats.

Meal #8: Strawberry milkshake

If you’re craving something sweet and cold for your cheat meal, why not make a strawberry milkshake. Milk has a high protein content and is chock full of calcium. Add it to a blender with some fresh or frozen strawberries, and you will have a treat that is both nutritious and delicious.

Meal #9: Stuffed chicken breast

Chicken breast is a great choice for your cheat meal. It is low in fat, high in protein, and full of flavour. To take your cheat meal to the next level, stuff your chicken breast. Consider stuffing with cheddar and broccoli, swiss and asparagus, or feta and spinach.

Meal #10: BBQ ribs

Throwing a rack of ribs on the barbeque is a great idea for a cheat meal. Dress them with a sauce of your choice and serve with roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and a side salad. A meal like this is the perfect way to cheat on a sunny summer afternoon.

Another fast and easy way to indulge in a delicious and nutritious cheat meal is by signing up with a meal delivery service. These services deliver wholesome, ready-to-eat meals right to your door. They are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings without worrying about getting in your nutritional requirements. Meal delivery services cater to your specific dietary needs and preferences and take all guesswork from eating healthy. So, the next time you feel like “cheating” on your diet, go ahead! Just try to make your cheat meals as healthy as possible.