Bec Hardgrave: This is why you should never bother with ‘cheat days’ if you’re trying to lose weight

A fitness coach has revealed why she doesn’t endorse diet culture’s “cheat days.”

Bec Hardgrave, 27, from Brisbane, is a nutritionist and personal trainer who regularly makes healthy versions of her favorite fast food treats.

The health guru recently claimed that limiting your food intake during the week and keeping you “satisfied” on the weekends can do more harm than good.

She revealed that people are unlikely to see results because they end up blowing an entire week’s worth of calories on one “cheat day” over the weekend.

Bec instead recommended that people enjoy one dish each day that brings them joy.

“So you put a lot of restrictions on yourself during the week by eating regular foods like steamed chicken and broccoli, and you hate life just having a few cheat days on the weekends?” she asked in a video.

Bec gave two reasons explaining why such a practice was a bad idea.

“The chances of you going back to your chicken-broccoli diet on Monday after an insanely indulgent weekend are nil.”

The fitness coach revealed that her “peak days” used to last whole weeks.

“Hardly restricting yourself and suppressing all those cravings — will just send them through the roof by the weekend.”

“Not only will that completely blow your entire calorie goal for the week, but you won’t feel very well.”

Bec now spends 20 percent of her daily calories on something that will fully satisfy her and satisfy her cravings.

“Eat one thing every day that just makes you happy,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be low-calorie or high-protein.”

Common examples of everyday treats include a chocolate bar, an after-dinner ice cream cone, a taco, or a piece of fries.

This means you won’t be blowing out your whole week’s worth of calories in one day and you’ll actually enjoy your life a little bit more!’

The health guru recently claimed that limiting yourself during the week and “indulging” on the weekend can do more harm than good

Many thanked Bec for her excellent advice and promised to follow it.

“You’re officially my unofficial nutritionist,” said one woman.

“Thanks Bec – great insight!”