My Secret Weapon for Cheat Meals

I’m a big believer in a balanced approach to food and nutrition. I eat healthy meals 80%-90% of the time, but I always look forward to cheat meals and treats. I feel like this approach to food had been a big reason why I have been successful in my health journey over the last few years. If I restrict myself too much than I will be constantly thinking of those delicious foods I can’t have and I end up frustrated and grumpy. I usually plan cheat meals and treats for when I’m out with family or friends or on vacation. I recently was able to go on a weekend getaway out of town with my husband and was so thankful to have my secret weapon with me.

A few years ago I heard about digestive enzymes. At first, I was confused and wasn’t sure what the difference was between digestive enzymes and probiotics. They sounded similar and I was already taking a probiotic daily so I didn’t know if it was something that would be beneficial for me to use as well. I did some digging and research and found out that digestive enzymes can be a great tool for anyone to use with meals.

When we eat food our bodies naturally produce enzymes that help us digest our foods, but as we age our digestive enzyme production decreases. Taking a digestive enzyme supplement right before you eat can support digestion, nutrient absorption, and help alleviate gas and bloating. Have you ever had a big meal, cheat meal, or treat where you felt awful afterwards? Taking digestive enzymes can tremendously help your body’s digestive system. I like to take one or two digestive enzyme capsules with a glass of water before a cheat meal or treat. And I often take one digestive enzyme before most of the regular meals I eat to aid in digestion.

Not all digestive enzymes are the same so make sure you read the labels on any supplements before purchasing. Some might have added ingredients that you don’t want and some are made to only help digest one kind of macronutrient, such as dairy. The ones I take help with digestion of starches (carbs), proteins, fats, dairy, and fiber. I’m sure there are lots of great options out there, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the affordability and effectiveness of MRM’s Digest-All. You can currently buy a bottle of 100 digestive enzymes for only $13 on amazon: http://a.co/8mZUNlA. That means the cost to take a digestive enzyme capsule per meal is only $.13 (or $.26 if you take two capsules).

Taking these digestive enzymes has been a huge help in my health journey over the past few years. I consider them my secret weapon to help my body when I eat a cheat meal or treat. Even if you eat a clean diet 100% of the time you might still struggle with gas, bloating, or sensitivities to certain foods so these could be helpful for you. Of course, I’m not a doctor or health professional so if you have any questions do your own research or talk to your doctor.

Have any of you used digestive enzyme supplements before? If so, I’d love to hear how they have helped you.