26/09/2026
Can you burn off the extra calories from a cheat day?
Technically, exercise increases energy expenditure, but trying to compensate for a day of overeating with an intense workout isn’t a great strategy.
If you’ve eaten significantly more than usual, burning those extra calories through exercise alone can be harder than you think. More importantly, it can create an unhealthy cycle of overeating → compensating → restricting → repeating.
Instead of planning an extreme “cheat day,” enjoy the foods you love while being mindful of portions and your overall intake.
One indulgent meal won’t undo your progress. And you don’t need to punish yourself with exercise afterwards.
Enjoy it. Move on. Get back to your normal routine.
Krushmi Chheda | Sports Scientist | Nutrition Coach | Nutritionist