Is a Cheat Day Okay?

Elleposh119

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

psuLemon

You can have a deficit over the week. But if you have a cheat day or meal, you should still log it. It's the only way to see if you have a deficit over the week. Also, keep in mind that the closer to a normal weight or leaner you get, the less room you have for error.

Having said this, I know those who have lower their intake Sunday through Friday, to have big meals on Saturday.

SideSteel

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

How do you define "ok"?

arditarose

What do you mean? It's not against the law. If you want it, do it. If you find it throws you off and you don't like it, don't do it again.

SideSteel

What I mean by that previous reply is this:

Is someone going to jump out from behind the bushes and smack you in the jaw with a big dead fish and yell "BAD!"?

No.

Are you going to gain 15lbs tomorrow and undo all your progress?

No.


So whether or not it's OK really depends on what you mean by OK.

If your cheat day makes your OVERALL dieting experience better AND you are still able to make progress at a reasonable pace then I would think it's fine. But those are big ifs.

lillyrose2020

Well done on your 15 pound loss!
I have the occassional cheat meal but I always log it, I stay within my calorie allowance though. For example if I am planning a big dinner eating out I will have a small breakfast and lunch so that it all fits in.
Some people have cheat days/weekends where they do not log at all, but this would not work for me as I would risk falling off the wagon completely!

malibu927

It's up to you. I personally don't because I fit what I want to eat into my calories.

Unknown

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TavistockToad

lillyrose2020 wrote: »

Well done on your 15 pound loss!
I have the occassional cheat meal but I always log it, I stay within my calorie allowance though. For example if I am planning a big dinner eating out I will have a small breakfast and lunch so that it all fits in.
Some people have cheat days/weekends where they do not log at all, but this would not work for me as I would risk falling off the wagon completely!

i dont do 'cheat meals', so can i ask in what way is it 'cheating' if you stay in your calorie goal?

meridianova

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

are you asking permission? we are not your parents, we cannot control what does or doesn't go into your mouth.

are you asking if one day of caloric splurge will cause you to stop losing weight? probably not, though it would depend on what you're splurging on and how far over. if your splurge consists of a bacon-pumpkin-cheesecake eating contest and you're defending your world record championship, then attempting to get your picture on the wall for eating the megamonsterZOMGhumungoid 16lb burger with the dump truck of fries on the side in under 27 minutes... then yeah, you might see a blip up in the morning.

as a general rule i don't condone cheat days simply because i can't afford to lose control over my diet. however, there can be exceptions to the rule, like once-in-a-lifetime events where you have the opportunity to try something new or that would otherwise be out of reach (hubby and i had our 10 year anniversary last weekend, and nothing was going to stop me from ordering the black truffle and fontina pizza appetizer). in my mind, food isn't a reward... it's necessary and should be enjoyed, and can accompany a celebration, but shouldn't be associated with an accomplishment.

instead of splurging on your calories, i'd splurge on a spa treatment like a massage or facial instead.

jrline

occasionally as long as you don't go overboard and keep your weekly calories under

whatatime2befit

I personally don't like the words "cheat" day or week. If you track it, and it fits into your daily or weekly calorie counts, go for it. Even if it goes over your calorie counts, is it the end of the world? Not likely. You may just not have a loss this week.

I'm all for "everything in moderation". I don't give up any specific foods, I track and count everything. If I want to go to a restaurant and have a bigger meal to celebrate something, I do it. I just accept my calorie count will be over the norm, and then I move on.

You might also want to consider celebrating without food. Instead of splurging on food, why not buy yourself something that you've wanted but put off. A new shirt, a good book, music for your ipod?

Turning_Hopes_to_Habits

I would recommend tracking it no matter what. Because a cheat day can be totally out of control and can easily blow two weeks worth of steady progress and you wouldn't even know it. Track it and you'll know how much you ate and how the day fits into your overall calories.

I only weigh once a month, and I go over on my calories a couple times a month. Sometimes on junk. But I track everything, and I also have days when I'm simply not hungry and don't feel like eating much, and because I track, I can make sure they balance each other out. If the pendulum starts swinging too far in the "over" or the "under" direction, I am on top of it and it helps me plan.

So, maybe don't call it a "cheat day". Instead, it's an indulgence day that you PLAN to go over, it's not an accident, it's not out of your control, it's a choice and you are prepared to compensate for the extra calories. Or, prepared to not lose as much or any at all. Either way, it's a choice.

JLCrunch

meridianova wrote: »

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

are you asking permission? we are not your parents, we cannot control what does or doesn't go into your mouth.

are you asking if one day of caloric splurge will cause you to stop losing weight? probably not, though it would depend on what you're splurging on and how far over. if your splurge consists of a bacon-pumpkin-cheesecake eating contest and you're defending your world record championship, then attempting to get your picture on the wall for eating the megamonsterZOMGhumungoid 16lb burger with the dump truck of fries on the side in under 27 minutes... then yeah, you might see a blip up in the morning.

as a general rule i don't condone cheat days simply because i can't afford to lose control over my diet. however, there can be exceptions to the rule, like once-in-a-lifetime events where you have the opportunity to try something new or that would otherwise be out of reach (hubby and i had our 10 year anniversary last weekend, and nothing was going to stop me from ordering the black truffle and fontina pizza appetizer). in my mind, food isn't a reward... it's necessary and should be enjoyed, and can accompany a celebration, but shouldn't be associated with an accomplishment.

instead of splurging on your calories, i'd splurge on a spa treatment like a massage or facial instead.

Yes, this!

Elleposh119

meridianova wrote: »

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

are you asking permission? we are not your parents, we cannot control what does or doesn't go into your mouth.

my, my you're hilarious yes! You got it, this thread was obviously made for the purpose of getting "permission" from complete strangers, not to ask other fellow 'dieters' what their take on this (a cheat day) is.

For those of you who actually contributed to my question in your responses, I thank you for those of you who have nothing better to do than post some sort of keyboard smart a** warrior response- well thanks for the entertainment.

jennifurballs

I don't have cheat days to celebrate weight loss, but I will undulge on a special occasion, such as my son's birthday earlier this month, or a wedding I'm going to in November. I still stay within my allowed calories, but enjoy the event by not stressing over what I'm eating. Those occasional higher calorie days haven't affected my weight loss at all. I also find that when I do consume a bit more than usual, I exercise a bit more to offset it.

Great job on losing 15 lbs.! I agree with whoever the previous posters were who said to reward yourself for your loss with something other than high calorie food. That kinda defeats the purpose.

lillyrose2020

TavistockToad wrote: »

lillyrose2020 wrote: »

Well done on your 15 pound loss!
I have the occassional cheat meal but I always log it, I stay within my calorie allowance though. For example if I am planning a big dinner eating out I will have a small breakfast and lunch so that it all fits in.
Some people have cheat days/weekends where they do not log at all, but this would not work for me as I would risk falling off the wagon completely!

i dont do 'cheat meals', so can i ask in what way is it 'cheating' if you stay in your calorie goal?

Ooh by 'cheat' I just mean higher calorie meals, take-aways, junk food, eating out etc.
If it isn't cheating by staying in my calorie goal that works for me!

stacyjh1979

I personally do best when I stay disciplined. I tend to have an all or nothing mindset so if I tried to have a "cheat day" or a "cheat meal" I would most likely go overboard. I know this about myself so I don't do it. If there is something special I want I plan ahead and fit it into my calories...if not for the day then at least for the overall calories for the week to ensure I stay in a deficit. I try not to think of food as a reward either. Don't get me wrong I like food but I need to think of it as fuel and if it has the added bonus of great taste as well then great but non food rewards are better for me.

KylaDenay

Nope cheat meals are never okay!

Really, do what you want. If you feel you deserve it and that is how you do things, than go for it! Personally I prefer to eat all the foods in moderation any given day.

bgoodsmile

Just my take on this... Once in a while for a special occasion or vacation - I have a "cheat day." I even had a "cheat week" for my birthday last month. I went up 4 pounds after said week, and lost them the following week. Personally, it is unrealistic - for me - to live the rest of my life without having days, or weekends, or even - gasp - a week here & there where I indulge without constantly monitoring myself. The trick is to not beat myself up when I see the inevitable gain & to get right back on track. Good luck whatever you decide and kudos on the 15lb loss!!!

AskTracyAnnK28

I had my first 'cheat day' Saturday after losing 40 pounds. Wasn't worth it. After logging everything in I was kinda ashamed of myself. I did the math and realized that because of that one little cheat day I won't be showing a loss this week.

AmigaMaria001

It's okay with me, if it's okay with you! Personally, Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels so I never have a cheat day. I eat whatever I want every day within my calorie limits so I don't feel the need to cheat.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

Just make sure your SO is ok with it, and you both get checked afterwards...

wait, was that not what you meant? I'll just show myself out, then.

gamesandgains

Make your "cheat meal" fit into your macros. Enjoy your meal and stay on path.

meridianova

Elleposh119 wrote: »

meridianova wrote: »

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

are you asking permission? we are not your parents, we cannot control what does or doesn't go into your mouth.

my, my you're hilarious yes! You got it, this thread was obviously made for the purpose of getting "permission" from complete strangers, not to ask other fellow 'dieters' what their take on this (a cheat day) is.

do you have any idea as to how many posts i've seen over the years that essentially ask "is it ok if i eat this?" every single time, it comes across as "mommy, may i?" or worse, people ask random internet strangers what they should eat at any given restaurant, and their tone is that of sheer panic at the thought of being presented with food they don't understand.

i get that some people need support in the form of pre-made decisions (pre-packaged foods with specific calorie counts, shakes, etc), but at the end of the day the only person who can answer "is it ok that i do this?" is you. we don't have to deal with the consequences, you do.

if you want a general poll as to their take on cheat days, then ask that. phrase it as "i'm considering having a calorie blow-out in celebration of losing 15lbs... do any of you ever have planned cheat days? what's your take on them?"

akaguna

In my opinion, YES you can have a cheat day. This is suppose to be a life change not a diet. I would make it one meal....like dinner and have a good time. Congrats on your success!!

808Trish808

I do it and I don't regret it. I just move forward. I enjoy when I need to and I'm still on track.

1Day2Day

I wouldn't call it a cheat day, but it's okay if you go outside your goal for a day. After eating so healthy you may find the splurge will be smaller than you expected. You may be satisfied with less of the 'cheat' food than you were before.

Denying often leads to binging.

Also look to find a treat that is non-food. Give yourself a break with something you enjoy doing. Maybe something less active if you've been pushing yourself.

Congratulations on your 15 lb loss!

808Trish808

1Day2Day wrote: »

I wouldn't call it a cheat day, but it's okay if you go outside your goal for a day. After eating so healthy you may find the splurge will be smaller than you expected. You may be satisfied with less of the 'cheat' food than you were before.

This is true. Even when I do go and splurge, I do notice that I still don't eat a whole lot like I used to.

alanlmarshall

Everyone is different, but the idea of a reward is a red flag for folks like us who might struggle with obsessive overeating. It's not the calories from one day, it's the long term psychology. I advise caution.

MisterZ33

normally, if i do have a day where i go bananas, i try not to surpass my deficit. for example, i currently eat at a 700 calorie deficit so i would try not to go beyond that.