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15 Foods That Turn Diet Days Into Cheat Days

Sometimes, sticking to a diet feels like a real struggle, especially when certain foods come into play. On the one hand, you have your health goals, and on the other, there’s a whole world of foods that scream, “Forget the rules!” You know, the kind of dishes that make you think twice about whether it’s really a “cheat day” or just a well-deserved treat.

2 black dishes with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole in them.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Not every day you get to enjoy an innovative twist on an Italian classic. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is one of those dishes that utilizes traditional gnocchi luxuriously paired with robust sausage and earthy broccoli rabe. Who said turning your diet day into a cheat day couldn’t be indulgent and vibrant?
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving some good old comfort food? Beefy John Wayne Casserole offers a hearty portion of homestyle goodness. It’s the perfect mix of cozy flavors and textures, just healthful enough to keep you on track but guilt-free enough for a cheat day nod.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A royal treat without the calorie commitment, that’s what Turkey à la King promises. Enjoy this rich and creamy dish that includes tender turkey in an indulgent sauce. It’s like a cozy blanket for your stomach on a cheat day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

A top down shot of 2 baskets of air fryer Chicken Fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Change up your chicken game with these Air Fryer Chicken Fries. They’re an innovative twist on a finger food favorite, providing a crowd-pleasing snack that’s got just enough naughty feel to be a cheat day winner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew salads could feel this indulgent? Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp effortlessly blends the lush flavors of the Mediterranean with the simplicity of a salad. Make your cheat day feel like a seaside escape.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Are you looking for something that’s light yet can make a cheat day feel worth it? Chicken Piccata is a stellar choice, offering the lovely balance of tart and savory in every bite. It’s bright, delicious and just indulgent enough for those cheat day cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Cheez-Its Tostada

A top-down shot of a Cheez-Its Tostada with crackers and a bottle of hot sauce.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brace yourself for a dish that’s playful but feels like a treat. Cheez-Its Tostada turns a favorite snack into a satisfying main. It’s a unique, crunchy spin that makes any cheat day more fun.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Brisket Fried Rice

A top down shot of Brisket Fried Rice with vegetables nearby.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This isn’t just any fried rice, it’s Brisket Fried Rice. Soaked up with the wonderful flavors from the brisket, it’s a feast in every bite. This exciting variant will make your cheat day worth waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

A closeup image of Turkey Stuffed Pasta Shells with Pesto in a baking dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Try these Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto to add a bit of a twist on pasta night. The use of turkey and pesto gives a fresh, comforting flair to this dish. It warrants being filed under ‘Guilt-Free Indulgence’.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob on a white platter.
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

think you know corn on the cob? The Air Fryer Corn on The Cob gives a new lease of life on this classic side-dish. Juicy, grilled, and irresistibly fresh, it’s an absolute gem on cheat days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Baked Spanish Rice

A closeup of Baked Spanish Rice in a black dish.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Break free from the mold of boring rice dishes with Baked Spanish Rice. This one is oven-baked for a deep, aromatic flavor that boosts your cheat day to new heights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Zucchini Bread

A closeup of sliced Zucchini Bread.
Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Unassuming but a delight nonetheless, Zucchini Bread can easily turn a diet day into a cheat day. Moist and mildly sweet, it’s a dessert that feels like a treat without tipping you over the edge.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bread

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

2 black dishes with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole in them.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Here’s a little secret: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is your cheat-day best friend. Baked to perfection, it wraps you in warmth and comfort, making every bite feel like a mini celebration.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a white plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No need to keep Tacos Dorados for a special occasion when they can sneak into your cheat day. Rolled and fried to the perfect crunch, these are no ordinary tacos. Add a touch of salsa and see how quickly it turns into a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Chicken Fried Rice

A plate of Chicken Fried Rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed and comforting dish for your cheat day, chicken fried rice is the way to go. A versatile and popular favorite, it has the uncanny ability to turn any ordinary day into a palate party.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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