Jennifer Aniston's Cheat Day: Best Time to Cheat on a Diet

Jennifer Aniston credits her flawless physique to regular yoga and cheat days. Yes, you heard that right.

The 44-year-old actress, envied for her killer legs and chiseled arms, revealed at a red carpet event late Tuesday night that she has frequent "cheat days" where she indulges in her favorite foods.

"Cheat days for me are usually … it's either Mexican food … maybe Italian pasta," Aniston told People magazine at the Self magazine book party event for her longtime yoga guru, instructor Mandy Ingber. "But I think you always have to do it in moderation."

RELATED: Aniston, Paltrow Caught Up in 'Cupping' Craze

The idea of a "cheat day" is not unheard of in Hollywood, and the promise of a treat after a hard week can help many dieters stay motivated and on track.

But do cheat days do more harm than good?

"To have a healthy balanced life, you have to have happy calories," Self magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger told ABC News.

It's OK to cheat on your diet as long as you cheat at the right time, according to Self.

If you do indulge, treat yourself to fatty foods by 10 a.m. so you have the rest of the day to burn them off.

Are you craving carbs? Eat them by 1 p.m. to keep you from snacking for the rest of the day.

If you have a sweet tooth, indulge around 2 p.m. for a sugar rush in that afternoon slump.