Cheat Days
In this concise nutrition monologue, Kelsey Higginson challenges the common belief that cheat days are detrimental to elite athletes. She argues that strict food restriction and extreme seasonal diet swings—exemplified by a wrestler who binge‑eats junk food in the offseason, then cuts all carbs during season, only to rebound with greater weight gain—are counterproductive. Higginson promotes an 80/20 rule: 80 % of meals should consist of whole foods (grains, fruits, vegetables, meats) and 20 % can include treats like burgers, fries, ice cream, or brownies. She stresses that carbs are not inherently bad and advises timing indulgences after competition, when the body can efficiently use the sugars for recovery. The overall message is that moderation, not restriction, supports consistent performance and health for athletes.
