Cheat Days: Are They Good for Your Metabolism and Diet?

Question
Hi,
I'm a very healthy eater (typically 1600-1800 calories a day) - lots of egg whites, fish, oatmeal, fruit, vegetables, no fried foods, sugary soda, fatty red meat, pastries, candies, etc.  I don't feel deprived and I feel great when I eat this way, however sometimes I get a hankering for a crazy day of treats.  I am an 18 year old female who weighs 105 lbs and is 5'6".  I have heard that a "cheat day" is good for your metabolism and helps you maintain a healthy diet (not feel deprived or excluded from foods that others enjoy).  Is it ok if I occasionally (once or twice a month) indulge in a day where I eat whatever I want - i.e. pizza, doughnuts, chocolate, etc - as long as I resume my normal healthy diet after that one day?  I've been doing this for about three months now and I haven't gained any weight or changed anything about my eating pattern.  
P.S. I also weight train and do cardio four days a week.  

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Erin,
If it works for you than that is fine.  A "cheat day" is not something that helps your metabolism as you stated but it can help you feel less deprived and help you to stick to a healthier diet more of the time.  Just be careful because eating healthy and than having a day where you go all out can upset your stomach since you are not use to those higher fat foods.  It is OK to indulge once in awhile, just watch how much you do it and watch how much you eat on those days.
Thanks,
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net