Celebrate National Eat What You Want Day

[1] Our personal go-to: a hot fudge sundae (photo © Lauri Patterson | iStock Photo).

[2] Fried onion rings with a mayonnaise-based dipping sauce (photo © QVC).

[3] A bacon cheeseburger that also has a layer of onion rings. Don’t forget the fries (photo © Smokey Bones)!

May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day, a day that sets diets aside for a indulgence with no regrets.

Whether you love donuts or fast food, chips and dip or creamy Fettucine Alfredo, today is your day to gratify those desires without feeling guilty.

Most nutritionists agree that, rather than try to repress your desire for not-good-for-you foods, having a treat every now and then helps to prevent gorging when the determination to eat right wears off.

The secret, they say, is small portion sizes.

That means one donut, maybe two; but not a baker’s dozen.
 
 
THE HISTORY OF NATIONAL EAT WHAT YOU WANT DAY

Eat What You Want Day was actually created by herbalists Thomas & Ruth Roy of Wellcat.

They made up 80 holidays, most unrelated to food (e.g., Happy Mew Year For Cats Day, Satisfied Staying Single Day and For Pete’s Sake Day).
 
 
15 GUILTY FOODS FOR NATIONAL EAT WHAT YOU WANT DAY

So how are you going to indulge? Here’s our list of 15 candidates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We’re thinking waffles for breakfast, a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and fries for lunch, and if we still have room for dinner, mac and cheese.

(Of course, sensible people will only splurge at one meal.)

 
Add your favorites to the list.

And enjoy your holiday.