India, May 6 -- D o you ever feel like your life revolves around meal plans, macros and food guilt? That's exactly what International No Diet Day - a global movement started on May 6, 1992 - is here to challenge. With over 48.3k posts on #NoDietDay, people around the world are embracing this approach: one that swaps restriction for balance and food fear for freedom. This day is all about shifting the mindset - from obsessing over the "perfect body" to celebrating food as something that nourishes, comforts and brings joy. It invites us to take a break from rigid rules and remember that eating should never come with guilt. At the heart of No Diet Day is the much-loved cheat meal-that one moment where you allow yourself to indulge without second-guessing. Whether it's a cheesy slice of pizza, a decadent dessert or your go-to comfort food, a cheat meal isn't about abandoning your health goals. It's about finding a rhythm that actually works long-term. Dr Bir Singh Sehrawat, Program Clinical Director & HOD, Gastroenterology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, explains, "A cheat meal, if overdone, can undo the benefits of a healthy diet." But when done in moderation, it brings in flexibility and makes healthy eating easier to sustain. Let's be real - strict diets can be mentally exhausting. Deprivation often leads to frustration, stress, and an unhealthy relationship with food. That's where cheat meals can help. They offer a psychological breather, breaking the cycle of guilt and creating space for satisfaction. "Cheat meals break the monotony of a strict diet, prevent feelings of deprivation, and make it easier to stay committed to long-term health goals," says nutritionist Garima Goyal. Studies back this up too - planned indulgences can reduce diet burnout and support consistency. Surprisingly, cheat meals can work in your favour - boosting energy, curbing cravings and even aiding metabolism. Wellness expert Vesna Jacob notes, "When done mindfully, cheat meals can restore energy levels, elevate mood, and replenish glycogen stores." Instead of feeling like a setback, they can actually keep you aligned with your fitness goals - offering relief from the rigidity that often leads to giving up altogether....