15 Quick and Easy Cheat Meal Ideas

Cheat meals are key to any nutrition plan, especially if you're currently living a lifestyle of restriction or strict habits. They are a healthy way to engage cravings and do so within your control. This doesn't mean and shouldn't mean the snacks and meals you pick; however, you have to sabotage all your hard work eating right.

A cheat meal can taste good, fill, and still be on the bad side without going full-tilt overboard. Here are some of the best cheat meal ideas.

Pancakes

Many people's go-to cheat meal is pancakes. They're not the healthiest due to their refined grains and sugars, but on a cheat day, they are a favorite. Replace refined flour with whole grain or nut-based flour for a healthier pancake.

Waffles

Waffles, like pancakes, are another cheat meal must-have. There are many ways to prepare waffles, from laying out syrup over them to restricting yourself to butter and cinnamon. Ultimately, you've got to find where you are comfortable calorie-wise.

Pasta

Pasta is a common meal delivery cheat meal idea and a tasty option to have in front of you. Spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and pasta marinara are just a few of the options. There are many pasta options to make your cheat meal all the more indulgent.

Calorie-Dense Shake

Shakes are smooth, creamy, and healthy. When it's time for cheat meals, don't hesitate to make it less healthy. Add chocolates, sugars, and maybe even some protein powder. A calorie-dense shake is fun.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Bake some potatoes and load them up with all your favorite comfort foods, including shredded cheese, bacon, sliced green onions, sour cream, and more. It's your potato to customize. The potato is low-calorie, too, so feel encouraged to have a few.

Asian Takeout

Asian dishes are tailor-made for cheat days. Pad Thai, teriyaki chicken, beef broccoli, and more are ripe for picking. They can also be made at home, though we prefer fresh dishes from the restaurant

Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is classic. When you look at frozen meals and meal plan delivery services, mac and cheese is one of the most requested and purchased because it's versatile. You can also add protein with chicken or sausages or beef it up.

Beef Burgers

Nothing beats a delicious burger, especially if you've structured your cheat meal around a sports game or an event. Indulging in a burger can be tasty and heavenly. If you make them at home, dress them with high-quality bread and toppings to please those taste buds.

Tacos

Tacos are a nice cheat meal because you can personalize them. All sorts of taco toppings exist, and you can certainly turn them into less calorie-dense meals if that is more your vibe on a cheat day.

Pizza

It's hard not to think 'pizza!' when discussing cheat meals. It just tastes so good and has endless topping combinations. Eat as much as you like, or go the healthy route by choosing a cauliflower crust or eggplant base.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are an ideal platter option if you want greasy and meaty. A cheat day at a pub, bar, or restaurant is best done with a serving of chicken wings and a dipping sauce of your choosing to the side.

Cheese Plate

You can if you feel like going a bit 'proper' with your cheat meal! Try a cheese plate. Line up high-quality cheeses mixed with nuts and fresh fruits for added flavor, and you have a calorie-dense, healthy meal ready for your first bite.

Loaded Nachos

Load nachos with sour cream, peppers, olives, and more. Nachos are a fun, colorful way to celebrate a cheat meal. While you can't eat nachos every day, cheat day is the time! It is high in calories and carbs, but it is delicious.

French Fries

Fries can be deep-fried, turned into poutine, or adorned with toppings. They can be stacked next to a burger or another dish, but a nice portion of deep-fried French fries is hard to turn down. Fully embrace your cheat meal and upsize those fries.

Breakfast Cereal

We know it's not very flashy, but sugar-packed breakfast cereal is an enjoyable cheat meal now and again. Waking up when you don't have the energy to cook on a cheat day, breakfast cereal is the best way to start. Don't be afraid of sugar, at least for this one meal!