Cheat Day

chrisso802016

So, I have some general questions about "The Cheat Day".

I've been sticking pretty well with my deficit of calories, and dropping the weight. I'm really enjoying this, and excited about each day. I've gone to the extreme of eating something I used to eat, when my exercise allowed calories are high, and control it with a small portion (something like a tiny bowl of ice cream, "Treat") but I dont do this every day. I've been allowing myself to do it, so that I stick with everything.

My question is, what is a "Cheat Day"?

Do I use Sunday as a day to just not care, and eat whatever the hell I want in moderation? My stomach has physically shrunk, so I doubt that I could eat an entire large pizza by myself. Or is a cheat day something I should use to eat that bowl of ice cream?

I know it's all about me, and what my goals/desires are, and how best to use them. I guess I'm just curious what everyone else generalizes when it comes to that special day?

Thanks!

ForeverSunshine09

I do a cheat day once a week but, I still log everything and try to stay at or at least close to maintenance.

blancoms

I don't do a cheat day. I could easily erase the deficit I've already made and I've been working hard. If you do, log everything so you know where you stand if you gain 1/2 or 1 pound back during the week - you'll know why.

I fit everything into my calories allotted for the day. So once in a while ill have ice cream (or whatever). If I ever do choose to eat extra I will exercise extra so it still fits.

My stomachs definitely shrunk as well. And I'm so glad because it helps with cravings or going out at restaurants...its harder to overdo it!

IGbnat24

There's absolutely no reason to have a cheat day. Have a treat everyday as part of your daily calorie allowance.

marty_smith

A cheat day for me is eating my maintenance calories really, so if im having a dominoes in the evening i will eat a really light breakfast and lunch.

ElizabethOakes2

I like having a splurge meal, usually Saturday brunch with bacon, eggs, waffles- the works!, but rarely do I go over my maintenance calories. I usually "bank" an extra few hundred exercise calories for it, and we make sure we get out and go for a hike or long walk to help balance things out.

I found a huge mental shift for me was thinking of it as a special meal or splurge, and not as a 'cheat'- Cheating is something to feel guilty over. Having something good to eat that I've been craving all week, and sharing that experience with my loved ones, is about taking care of myself and treating myself with love and respect.

To answer your question- If your bowl of ice cream or other treat, fits into your daily calories, there's no need to make it your splurge. If you do want a splurge meal, like a cheeseburger or some pizza, you can make that one meal your splurge and just make sure that you don't blow away your entire week's worth of deficit to have it.