Optimal vs Survival

[Chris]

So recently there has been some debate over certain foods not being "optimal". I'm referring to the chocolate pudding debate.
Anyway, last night I had a veggie burger, sunchips, and black bean hummus for dinner. It was soooo delicious. Now I realize this is far from the ideal BFL meal (basically carbs, carbs, and carbs), but it was not unhealthy and it did make me very happy. So what's wrong with that? In this case, it's not about optimal, for me, it's about survival. I make very healthy choices most of the time, and it's treats like these that help me stay on the program.

I'm not saying you should eat this kind of stuff during your first 12 weeks, that's about learning to stick it out and be dedicated. But this is how I do the "for LIFE" part of BFL. It might be far from optimal, but it's things like this that have kept me moving forward for over a year now.

What kinds of healthy "cheats" do you enjoy?

[sshultz]

I think one of my favorite things that's not exactly on the plan but is healthy is a salad with mandarin oranges, strawberries, and pecans just a splash of with lite raspberry walnut vinaigrette. Mmmm... Sometimes I do have it with chicken but I love it as is. Carbs and veggies...

[KingV]

The salad I'd call authorized if you ate a portion of protein with it. You have carbs in the salad, Protein, and 1 of your 2 required portions of vegetables/day.

[sshultz]

Yeah, agreed but as much as I like grilled chicken on a salad, I prefer this particular one without. It's just sooooo good without. But I did have it for lunch today WITH grilled chicken breast.