On Your Next Cheat Day, Treat Yourself to Loaded Nachos
If you go to the gym regularly or have recently committed to a fitness regimen, then you're probably looking forward to your next cheat day. You don't want to let that day fly by without indulging in some truly satisfying meals. Here are 20 memorable meals for your cheat day.
1. Cheeseburger with Fries
A juicy cheeseburger covered in melted cheese and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles is the ultimate cheat meal. Enjoy it with crispy fries and a thick, creamy chocolate milkshake. This meal is pure indulgence, and it's also the perfect comfort food.
2. Pepperoni Pizza
Few meals feel like a bigger cheat than a pepperoni pizza. The melted, stringy cheese, crispy crust, and salty pepperoni make for an irresistible meal. You can go for a New York-style or a Chicago-style pizza, if you want even more indulgence. You could also just go for a slice if you want to keep things in check.
3. Loaded Nachos
This is one cheat day meal that should be shared with friends. Nachos loaded with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chicken or beef, and your favorite veggies will make for a memorable cheat day. Every bite offers a mix of flavors and textures.
4. Fried Chicken and Biscuits
Battered chicken fried to golden perfection will keep you motivated to go to the gym until it's time for your cheat day. Pair your succulent fried chicken with flaky biscuits with a crunchy top to create a hearty, comforting, and delicious meal.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
A bowl of gooey, creamy macaroni and cheese will delight any fitness guru on their cheat day. For this meal, you want to go with classic mac and cheese, not the boxed variety. Make sure you enjoy a serving with a variety of cheeses, like cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, and top with green onions and bacon crumble. You can't go too wrong with this dish.
6. BBQ Ribs
If you have a local BBQ joint or a smoker at home, then you should indulge in some BBQ ribs on your next cheat day. Tender ribs smothered in a smoky, tangy, and rich barbecue sauce make for a finger-licking and messy feast. Enjoy with some cornbread and baked beans.
7. Buffalo Wings
A pound or two of Buffalo wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing is a delight. It's messy, flavorful, and offers a bit of heat. The dipping sauces provide even more flavor and a nice cooling effect.
8. Philly Cheesesteak
This cheat day staple combines thinly-sliced steak, melted cheese, and perfectly-cooked onions. It's then stuffed into a hoagie roll. The grease alone will satisfy you, but a perfect Philly cheesesteak is also packed with flavor. Don't skimp on the provolone, American cheese, or the Cheez Whiz.
9. Spaghetti Carbonara
Dig into this creamy Italian pasta dish and enjoy mouthfuls of rich deliciousness. It's made with Parmesan, eggs, pancetta, and black pepper. The sauce is silky, too good not to devour, and it coats every spaghetti strand. Another bonus of this dish is that it's easy to make.
Karolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash
10. Fish and Chips
Classic English-style fish and chips is the ideal cheat day meal. While you're on the elliptical machine, you'll be dreaming about perfectly-fried battered fish and crispy chips served on a newspaper.
11. Chicken and Waffles
A savory and sweet meal that combines two awesome cheat day foods that seem disparate but are anything but. Just toss a crispy piece of fried chicken on a golden waffle and drizzle some maple syrup on top. The textural contrasts alone make it an amazing eating experience.
12. Chili Cheese Fries
French fries on their own are a reasonable cheat day meal, but when you top them with chili and cheese, you have something exceptional. These loaded fries are close to a masterpiece, and we recommend topping with some jalapenos to add an extra kick.
Christine von Raesfeld on Unsplash
13. Deep Dish Pizza
This iconic Chicago-style pizza is indulgent, filling, gooey, and unlike any other pizza in the world. Its thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, and chunky sauce provide a full and satisfying meal.
14. Donuts
Whatever flavor of donuts you like will make a perfect cheat day indulgence. Go for a combination with assorted sweet glazes, and a few that are filled with either cream or fruit.
15. Pulled Pork Sandwich
Barbecue lovers should sink their teeth into a pulled pork sandwich on their next cheat day. The pork is slow-cooked until it's beyond tender, and then drenched in smoky barbecue sauce. Pile the meat high on a soft bun and get to work.
16. Pad Thai
This Thai street food features stir-fried noodles tossed with chicken or shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts, and covered in a tamarind sauce. It's nutty, tangy, and offers a shocking depth of flavor.
17. Chili Dog
Take a classic hot dog, which is delicious on its own, and then kick it up a notch by topping it with chili, onions, and cheese. Every bite lets you indulge in the snap of a hot dog, the heat and heartiness of the chili, and some gooey cheese.
Vegan Feast Catering on Wikimedia
18. Ramen with Pork Belly
On your next cheat day, enjoy a bowl of ramen with pork belly. This steaming soup combines a rich broth, chewy noodles, and succulent, tender pork belly. It's comforting, delicious, and can't be beat.
Arnold Gatilao from Oakland, CA, USA on Wikimedia
19. Burrito
A burrito is a blank canvas for your favorite Mexican ingredients and flavors. It's big, bold, and packed with protein and the perfect mix of textures.
20. Lobster Roll
This one is for people who want something a little more upscale on their next cheat day. Enjoy buttery lobster mixed with a touch of mayo on a toasted bun. The generous amount of lobster still makes this lighter than other cheat day options, and it's a true delicacy.
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20 Memorable Meals For Your Cheat Day
