Are you a cheater? I am.
Cylphin60
Posts: 863 Member
I'm not talking about occasionally busting my numbers, whether by forgetfulness or the one off planning.
I'm talking about the chronic tendency to pad my numbers. This extends from honestly logging my food each day to the urge to give in to bad form during exercises just to crank out a couple of more reps, so I can say I did it.
90-95% of the time I don't give in. I really do believe that diligent honesty with myself will yield the best long term gains for me, both physically and mentally - but that craving for the instant gratification is relentless. And tiring, and I occasionally give in.
Cheating on my food could reverse the weight loss gains I've been working for, and cheating on form while lifting could actually injure me, potentially putting me in a position where I can't exercise at all.
So why even think about it, much less give in to the temptations? Old dummy. LoL.
I'd like to hear others input. Because misery loves company, and who knows...if a discussion breaks out I might learn something that can help me change.
Cheers
I'm talking about the chronic tendency to pad my numbers. This extends from honestly logging my food each day to the urge to give in to bad form during exercises just to crank out a couple of more reps, so I can say I did it.
90-95% of the time I don't give in. I really do believe that diligent honesty with myself will yield the best long term gains for me, both physically and mentally - but that craving for the instant gratification is relentless. And tiring, and I occasionally give in.
Cheating on my food could reverse the weight loss gains I've been working for, and cheating on form while lifting could actually injure me, potentially putting me in a position where I can't exercise at all.
So why even think about it, much less give in to the temptations? Old dummy. LoL.
I'd like to hear others input. Because misery loves company, and who knows...if a discussion breaks out I might learn something that can help me change.
Cheers
2
Replies
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I play it straight when it comes to logging food and counting calories. Sorry I can't join your naughty club.2
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Not intentionally. If I don't log it directly before or after I eat it I will forget, then remember at some inconvenient time and then forget again if I don't log it right then. If I have already posted my diary for the day and I eat something after I try to go in right away to log it, but again, sometimes I forget at that time of night.5
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You seem rather cavalier about "cheating."
In fact, you seem almost proud of using improper form when you exercise, even while acknowledging the potential for injury.
Misery may love company, but I'll invite the company, not the misery.1 -
LiminalAscendance wrote: »You seem rather cavalier about "cheating."
In fact, you seem almost proud of using improper form when you exercise, even while acknowledging the potential for injury.
Misery may love company, but I'll invite the company, not the misery.
Cavalier, proud - not at all. I'm simply acknowledging the very strong temptation to do so. I don't like it, and want it gone, and simply thought if others dealt with that temptation as well, we might have a chat about it and shed some light on the "why".5 -
"Naughty club"?85Cardinals wrote: »I play it straight when it comes to logging food and counting calories. Sorry I can't join your naughty club.
Ok, uh...thanks?
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ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »Not intentionally. If I don't log it directly before or after I eat it I will forget, then remember at some inconvenient time and then forget again if I don't log it right then. If I have already posted my diary for the day and I eat something after I try to go in right away to log it, but again, sometimes I forget at that time of night.
I seem to do fine if I plan for the treat, it's those times when the urge hits after I've completed my log for the day, or when something catches my eye that's a calorie bomb during the day. It's almost as bad as my old cigarette cravings.4 -
My thing is that if I do eat over my calories then I won't end the day because I don't want to see those red numbers.4
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so I can say I did it.
My suggestion is that you don't worry about what other people think. This isn't about them, it's about you.
I'm not doing this for anyone but myself. There's no point in lying to myself. I use my data to make adjustments so it needs to be accurate. I log everything immediately before I eat it so that I don't have the opportunity to forget. If I choose to eat extra, I own that choice.3 -
Only you know when your cheating but it must bother you and you know it does not do you any good. Maybe commit to keep it honest for just one week to start and go from there.0
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Nah, I'm too lazy for all that. Too lazy to measure my food. Too lazy to log my food. Too lazy to push myself beyond my limits. Even when doing work around our farm when I'm done, I'm done, whether the job is done or not. Injuries make you lose a LOT more time than just waiting till your rested and getting back at it.1
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It really does lol. Like I said in the OP, actual cheats are far and few between, it just eats at me when I do it. At heart I'm a pretty honest person, so I don't like seeing this come out anywhere.Only you know when your cheating but it must bother you and you know it does not do you any good. Maybe commit to keep it honest for just one week to start and go from there.
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Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Nah, I'm too lazy for all that. Too lazy to measure my food. Too lazy to log my food. Too lazy to push myself beyond my limits. Even when doing work around our farm when I'm done, I'm done, whether the job is done or not. Injuries make you lose a LOT more time than just waiting till your rested and getting back at it.
I can't tell where or if you're serious or not...0 -
I'm not talking about occasionally busting my numbers, whether by forgetfulness or the one off planning.
I'm talking about the chronic tendency to pad my numbers. This extends from honestly logging my food each day to the urge to give in to bad form during exercises just to crank out a couple of more reps, so I can say I did it.
90-95% of the time I don't give in. I really do believe that diligent honesty with myself will yield the best long term gains for me, both physically and mentally - but that craving for the instant gratification is relentless. And tiring, and I occasionally give in.
Cheating on my food could reverse the weight loss gains I've been working for, and cheating on form while lifting could actually injure me, potentially putting me in a position where I can't exercise at all.
So why even think about it, much less give in to the temptations? Old dummy. LoL.
I'd like to hear others input. Because misery loves company, and who knows...if a discussion breaks out I might learn something that can help me change.
Cheers
this is the issue. majority of people seek instant gratification not just when it comes to weight loss, but many other things in life, that are just not realistic expectations. weight loss is not going to be instant... you didn't gain the weight instantly so you shouldn't expect it to come off "instantly."2 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »Not intentionally. If I don't log it directly before or after I eat it I will forget, then remember at some inconvenient time and then forget again if I don't log it right then. If I have already posted my diary for the day and I eat something after I try to go in right away to log it, but again, sometimes I forget at that time of night.
I'm like this at times, then I weave myself back into a more accountable and responsible logging.
I get worried at some point when I see my dilligence to be honest and accountable is slipping.
I know I will have deep regret if I quit maintaining my weight after losing the weight.
MFP logging has worked marvelously for me to lose what I needed and its working in maintaining, so if I start straying its basically just a sign I better get back on the path or I stand to have to reap the repercussions of returning to my old ways that caused that gain of weight.
Why unfix this thing ( logging honestly on mfp) that has worked? I say that to myself. Reminds me that I'm grateful to be a much thinner and active human these days.
Its probably the honest logging that actually makes it all possible. Well, after accepting that its all a matter of calories, then its just up to me to be accountable and the mfp site gives me that opportunity to be independent from anything or anyone else, I can just log, see what I'm doing and adjust accordingly.
Its a good topic, I think many of us slide off the point in various ways probably.
Thanks for the discussion. I look forward to other's opinions and experinces.
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I'm with you on this OP. It is a temptation to not log that bite of pound cake (because it is too hard to figure out what one bite would have measured with a home made cake!) or to log those 2 extra ounces of wine (because my MFP friends might think I drink too much! Hell, I might think I drink too much some days!)...sooooo tempting to just not log/ignore.
I have noticed this urge appears when I am stressed about life things that day. No big deals really, and not an everyday thing. But on days when I am stressed/overworked/annoyed I want my food log to be perfect as a form of control. Some personality types will find it necessary to log everything down to the last morsel in order to feel in control and mentally benefit. Other personality types might find that it doesn't harm their weight loss progress to leave a few things off on a rare occasion and not being such a hardas* on themselves has an added stress relief benefit. The awareness is there and you know that the calories still went in your body, even if you didn't log it. It's a mental dance but only you know if this dance is detrimental to your goal. Are you not logging a few bites a few times a month? IMO nothing to worry about. Are you not logging a significant amount of calories often? That would be worth improving upon your honesty.
Realistically, even if my logging isn't perfect down to the last bite, I am waaaaaaay better than I used to be before joining MFP with stress eating. So I have to remember: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good!
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MonkeyMel21 wrote: »My thing is that if I do eat over my calories then I won't end the day because I don't want to see those red numbers.
I HATE the red numbers. They make me feel like I have done something terrible. I still log if it puts me over, but the red numbers man. I wish they wouldn't do that.3 -
I am. And my wife knows it. She knows what I'm trying to do weight wise, and every time I go in the kitchen late at night, I hear, "What are you doing in there?" and, I just look down and say, "NUTHIN..." That's usually when the guilt kicks in. It's amazing how, when someone questions you, you know IMMEDIATELY if you are doing something legitimate or if you are trying to be sneaky.4
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By the way, I think your question is worthwhile and well-written
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Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Nah, I'm too lazy for all that. Too lazy to measure my food. Too lazy to log my food. Too lazy to push myself beyond my limits. Even when doing work around our farm when I'm done, I'm done, whether the job is done or not. Injuries make you lose a LOT more time than just waiting till your rested and getting back at it.
I can't tell where or if you're serious or not...
I am 100% serious.0 -
Some great replies folks, thank you. I'll reply more once I'm off of this blasted mobile device LOL. 1
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The only person you are lying to is yourself.4
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If I cheat it's on food. If I cheat too often it shows on my weight loss or lack of. I realize that I am cheating myself and slowing down my trip to the goal but that's on me and me alone. On the other hand, I have lost 50 pounds over the course of 2 years so overall, I'm gaining ground! My health is much better, my strength is better and my blood tests show it. It's not where you are now, it's where you'll be a year from now and further!2
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You're a bad loser then. In other words, you can't accept defeat or underachievement when that happens. Could this be bad? I guess it depends from person to person. Personally I think lying to oneself isn't productive because that's how people lose track of actual reality.
A STRONG person faces their weaknesses and works to improve upon them. Imagine the actual pride when you actually complete something, instead of the fake pride of pretending you did.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I'm not talking about occasionally busting my numbers, whether by forgetfulness or the one off planning.
I'm talking about the chronic tendency to pad my numbers. This extends from honestly logging my food each day to the urge to give in to bad form during exercises just to crank out a couple of more reps, so I can say I did it.
90-95% of the time I don't give in. I really do believe that diligent honesty with myself will yield the best long term gains for me, both physically and mentally - but that craving for the instant gratification is relentless. And tiring, and I occasionally give in.
Cheating on my food could reverse the weight loss gains I've been working for, and cheating on form while lifting could actually injure me, potentially putting me in a position where I can't exercise at all.
So why even think about it, much less give in to the temptations? Old dummy. LoL.
I'd like to hear others input. Because misery loves company, and who knows...if a discussion breaks out I might learn something that can help me change.
Cheers
this is the issue. majority of people seek instant gratification not just when it comes to weight loss, but many other things in life, that are just not realistic expectations. weight loss is not going to be instant... you didn't gain the weight instantly so you shouldn't expect it to come off "instantly."
Exactly. I'm realistic enough to know the desire will never go away 100%, but keeping it in the open, laughing about does keep it in check.0 -
Nicely stated, thank you. You pretty much covered my concerns as well.ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »Not intentionally. If I don't log it directly before or after I eat it I will forget, then remember at some inconvenient time and then forget again if I don't log it right then. If I have already posted my diary for the day and I eat something after I try to go in right away to log it, but again, sometimes I forget at that time of night.
I'm like this at times, then I weave myself back into a more accountable and responsible logging.
I get worried at some point when I see my dilligence to be honest and accountable is slipping.
I know I will have deep regret if I quit maintaining my weight after losing the weight.
MFP logging has worked marvelously for me to lose what I needed and its working in maintaining, so if I start straying its basically just a sign I better get back on the path or I stand to have to reap the repercussions of returning to my old ways that caused that gain of weight.
Why unfix this thing ( logging honestly on mfp) that has worked? I say that to myself. Reminds me that I'm grateful to be a much thinner and active human these days.
Its probably the honest logging that actually makes it all possible. Well, after accepting that its all a matter of calories, then its just up to me to be accountable and the mfp site gives me that opportunity to be independent from anything or anyone else, I can just log, see what I'm doing and adjust accordingly.
Its a good topic, I think many of us slide off the point in various ways probably.
Thanks for the discussion. I look forward to other's opinions and experinces.
0 -
texasleahgirl wrote: »I'm with you on this OP. It is a temptation to not log that bite of pound cake (because it is too hard to figure out what one bite would have measured with a home made cake!) or to log those 2 extra ounces of wine (because my MFP friends might think I drink too much! Hell, I might think I drink too much some days!)...sooooo tempting to just not log/ignore.
I have noticed this urge appears when I am stressed about life things that day. No big deals really, and not an everyday thing. But on days when I am stressed/overworked/annoyed I want my food log to be perfect as a form of control. Some personality types will find it necessary to log everything down to the last morsel in order to feel in control and mentally benefit. Other personality types might find that it doesn't harm their weight loss progress to leave a few things off on a rare occasion and not being such a hardas* on themselves has an added stress relief benefit. The awareness is there and you know that the calories still went in your body, even if you didn't log it. It's a mental dance but only you know if this dance is detrimental to your goal. Are you not logging a few bites a few times a month? IMO nothing to worry about. Are you not logging a significant amount of calories often? That would be worth improving upon your honesty.
Realistically, even if my logging isn't perfect down to the last bite, I am waaaaaaay better than I used to be before joining MFP with stress eating. So I have to remember: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good!
Ahhh you said Pound Cake lol. LOL, I love the stuff! Great points. I am the type that adheres pretty strongly to my program, but I also know me. I can slip once, and get away with it, twice, maybe - -by the third time in too short a time frame I'm rationalizing that unaccounted for bite of pound cake (I'm drooling now
) before I even get to the kitchen. 0 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »MonkeyMel21 wrote: »My thing is that if I do eat over my calories then I won't end the day because I don't want to see those red numbers.
I HATE the red numbers. They make me feel like I have done something terrible. I still log if it puts me over, but the red numbers man. I wish they wouldn't do that.
Red numbers recently are what prompted this thread lol.2 -
Flapjack_Mollases wrote: »I am. And my wife knows it. She knows what I'm trying to do weight wise, and every time I go in the kitchen late at night, I hear, "What are you doing in there?" and, I just look down and say, "NUTHIN..." That's usually when the guilt kicks in. It's amazing how, when someone questions you, you know IMMEDIATELY if you are doing something legitimate or if you are trying to be sneaky.
I can't stop smiling - I get it. My wife has the same BS radar lol.3 -
All I can say is I feel ya - That lazyness is something I've struggled with in the past and have largely overcome. At 57, I'm in better shape now than I have been for decades, but I DREAD the thought of back sliding. It's been my experience that getting things like this out in the open keep the tendencies to cut corners to a minimum.Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Nah, I'm too lazy for all that. Too lazy to measure my food. Too lazy to log my food. Too lazy to push myself beyond my limits. Even when doing work around our farm when I'm done, I'm done, whether the job is done or not. Injuries make you lose a LOT more time than just waiting till your rested and getting back at it.
I can't tell where or if you're serious or not...
I am 100% serious.
I have my fair share of faults, and I'm close enough to 60 to have coffee with it, so in order to be able to hit the ground running at that age, I needed to start cleaning house yesterday, and I've found that there's a lot of like minded people that turn up when things are honestly shared.
I'll never fix everything, but I can strive towards healthier regardless of that, and choose to in this manner. I like people, and we seem to work well together lol. Makes it easier, even fun sometimes. 3 -
All I can say is I feel ya - That lazyness is something I've struggled with in the past and have largely overcome. At 57, I'm in better shape now than I have been for decades, but I DREAD the thought of back sliding. It's been my experience that getting things like this out in the open keep the tendencies to cut corners to a minimum.Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Nah, I'm too lazy for all that. Too lazy to measure my food. Too lazy to log my food. Too lazy to push myself beyond my limits. Even when doing work around our farm when I'm done, I'm done, whether the job is done or not. Injuries make you lose a LOT more time than just waiting till your rested and getting back at it.
I can't tell where or if you're serious or not...
I am 100% serious.
I have my fair share of faults, and I'm close enough to 60 to have coffee with it, so in order to be able to hit the ground running at that age, I needed to start cleaning house yesterday, and I've found that there's a lot of like minded people that turn up when things are honestly shared.
I'll never fix everything, but I can strive towards healthier regardless of that, and choose to in this manner. I like people, and we seem to work well together lol. Makes it easier, even fun sometimes.
Yeah, I'm 53. I've always been healthy and pretty fit (depending on your definition of 'fit'). I was also at a healthy weight for most of my life so when I needed to lose weight I didn't see the point in adding in a bunch of new tasks to accomplish that goal because I know myself well enough to know that I wouldn't keep that up long term. Measuring and logging all my food was just way too time consuming for me.
Knowing yourself and what will work with your personality and lifestyle is a huge thing IMO.
Best of luck to you.0
This discussion has been closed.
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