Struggling to NOT go overboard on a cheat

jaerene

I am a believer that it is generally a good idea to allow yourself a cheat day (or meal) to prevent a binge later, due to deprivation of your favorite things. That being said, I think it may not be a good idea for me. I think my personality is all or nothing, and once I decide to have my cheat, even if it's just supposed to be a cheat meal, I can't seem to stop. I just binge, which is followed by guilt, which makes it hard to break the binge. Alas, I binged Sunday afternoon/evening, then continued yesterday, and am back on track today. However, I am very frustrated, knowing what the added fat, sodium, and calories will do to my progress. I did the same thing last weekend. I do a good job during the week, then decide to "treat" myself on the weekend, and lose control. This is my roller coaster. I want to get off. I think that perhaps I need to try avoid a "cheat" until I have maintained my healthy eating plan for a certain amount of time - maybe a month? Maybe that will help to solidify my healthier habits, and I will have less tendency to derail so easily. Any thoughts? Oh - by the way - I do know that I am an emotional eater....

Johnnyswife

If you can't control yourself, than don't do a cheat meal. I don't even consider it a cheat meal, but a free meal. I've had to look at what I am craving, and think about the portion size, versus calories. If I can't be satisfied with one portion of a certain meal, than I won't touch it.
I feel bad during a cheat day so I had to stop. This other way has made a better change for me.

econn

I am right there with ya..all or nothing...i do really well and then binge..think i may have binge eating disorder becaus ei have been researching it a lot lately. However, I am back on track right now and MOTIVATED!!!! thank gosh! I don't do a cheat day, but I have been allowing myself one treat everyday and allow it in my calorie needs for the day and it seems to help. I usually binge at night so i have tried to prohibit myself from entering the kitchen at night lol i have thought about putting a kitchen closed sign up after dinner, but don't think the rest of the family would like that HAHA good luck to you@!!! you can do it!!

jaerene

Thanks. I think you are both right. Maybe a treat daily within my calorie goal, as well as avoiding the foods I know trigger me to binge. I talked to my husband about it last night, and he's on board with avoiding those foods in order to help me. Thanks for the feedback. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one with this struggle!