Cheat meals

kamarismom

I am writing this while out enjoying a not so healthy Mexican dinner. This is my first cheat meal since restarting my journey to a healthier lifestyle and I must say I feel extremely guilty. Is that normal? Do you feel guilty when having cheat meals

suruda

I try and not have cheat meals but try to plan and budget calories for those times I know I'm going to indulge. Of course there have been times (sometimes too many) when I have over indulged. Yes, I feel guilty and sometimes don't physically feel good. My body doesn't like it if I have something too fatty after eating healthy! Enjoy your dinner and move on! tomorrow is a new day!

ClubSilencio

It's just one meal out of the, what, 20-30 you eat over the course of a week? Focus on the big picture and then return to the present moment and enjoy your "cheat" meal.

What are you having, btw? I want some green enchiladas now.

kamarismom

I had super nachos fajitas and it was amazing

jenfitnessmama

I have a cheat meal once every 2 weeks and I don't feel guilty at all! It's only 1 meal out of 2 weeks of (mostly) clean eating and I enjoy every moment of it

ktilton70130

kamarismom wrote: »

I am writing this while out enjoying a not so healthy Mexican dinner. This is my first cheat meal since restarting my journey to a healthier lifestyle and I must say I feel extremely guilty. Is that normal? Do you feel guilty when having cheat meals

I dont fill guilty when I use my calories to eat something I wouldnt normally eat, but my body reacts like lady you are crazy,lol. I just feel sluggish and bloat when I eat foods I dont normally eat. I usually keep in my calories but order something like chicken tenders or eat fries but i make sure my app is right there and i am logging . its a mind thing.you are doing well i am sure.

mumbles2013

I don't have cheat meals. I'm an all or nothing type and if I eat anything I'm used to it just triggers binging and I fall off the wagon big time as I have zero self control with food. I'm not even eating the meals I cook for my family because I know portion control will fly out the window.

lindabalseca

I agree mumbles2013. If I cheat once I will find an excuse to do it again. find a healthier version of the cheat

Francl27

I make them fit. Even if it means eating 200 less calories the rest of the week. So no, no guilt, unless I end up going way over that week because of it.

CherylG1983

I don't feel guilty, but I see the effects. I like to find substitutes. For example, Fridays are nacho night in my house. Instead of tortilla chips, I'm cutting a FlatOut Protein Up Carb Down wrap into triangles and baking it in the oven until they're crispy. Top with regular nacho toppings! There are other things... Sometimes I crave mashed potatoes, so I put some steamed cauliflower through the food processor with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt,a sprinkle of garlic powder and a little chives. Little substitutes can make a big difference in the guilt factor!

Cynsonya

I bank calories for "cheat" meals. So I'm not truly cheating as I stay in deficit. You also must decide if it's really, really worth it when you have to severely restrict 3-4 days to "pay" for it.

Jeffrey300050

I NEVER feel guilty when I cheat because I kick *kitten* during the week. Once a week, one meal (not all day) is fine. Guilt is a sabateur and if you never endulge you're going to go waaaaay off the wagon:)

Francl27

Cynsonya wrote: »

I bank calories for "cheat" meals. So I'm not truly cheating as I stay in deficit. You also must decide if it's really, really worth it when you have to severely restrict 3-4 days to "pay" for it.

Tell me about it. Been going to bed hungry all week to make up for a very high Tuesday, lol!

Losewtforlife4him

Yes I do feel guilty. I feel guilty because I hit my first goal this week of a 21 lb loss from 168lbs to 147 and I ate out with a friend that day. We had pad Thai and then last night had friends over and the one friend brought ice cream and the fixings. I had a little of that...not much. But then when everyone left, I was so hungry for my typical big snack that I'm able to eat while eating healthy and saving my calories throughout the day. Sometimes it's just not worth it to me to over indulge and go over my calorie limit or in this case I ate back all of my exercise calories which I never do. It's just frustrating because when I eat healthy, I actually get to eat much more food! So I really think the ice cream made me crave more sugar. So...I don't think we should feel guilty for a splurge now and then but it's frustrating to see the numbers on the scale go up so quickly. I hope my numbers are just fluid from the pad Thai but who knows. I feel ya!