Had a cheat meal yesterday, not sure how to feel about it

Chessbear

I just had this craving for KFC all of a sudden, and went ahead and ate a 2000kcal meal.

If I do this once a week with my current caloric intake and work out schedule, I'll lose about 6.6lbs a month instead of about 8.8lbs. Those extra 2.2lbs in the long ron are needed, i think. Because in 10 months that's 22lbs I could lose if I don't do the cheat meals.

Any input on this? Would appreciate it.

tiptoethruthetulips

Do what is sustainable for you? But don't think of it as cheating, just factor it into your planning of your meals.

If having a cheat meal or splurge occasionally keeps you on track for the long term it will be worth it.

gahahshskana

Ah, the first thing to do is to forgive yourself. We're human, not machines.

I usually have cheat meals because I can NOT, for the life of me, usually control my urges. I have an entire cheat day once a week to keep me motivated what I do, though, is set a limit to how much calories I can eat so I won't put all my week's effort to waste.

I actually tried a strict diet before, which usually ends up with me binging. I've actually lost more weight since I've been having these "cheat days" or so to say. Hope this helps you have a nice day!

ludds

I had a Chinese last night after 7 weeks of never going over my calories and never eating more than half my exercise calories back. I hate the term cheat meal, it wasn't cheating, it was a concious decision to eat more calories in a meal than I normally do. It's simple maths and for me, the MFP approach is much more sustainable If you look at the calorie balance over a period of days than each individual day in isolation.

natashab61

Hi - I think I would suggest to start enjoying the food you give yourself permission for. This guilt we feel after eating something delicious makes that meal worthless. Honestly give yourself permission and compensate for the calories over the week by eating less. Have a light eating day before a going out. Be kind to yourself. That is the only and best way to succeed. Also try to buy a smaller portion of the food.
I know buying a bucket of wings is cheaper per piece vs like a pack of 6 but buying less means eating less. Also don't eat in fast food restaurants. Bring it home. Otherwise you will be tempted to buy more.

Hope this helps! You got this.

edwill3456

I just had 3 days of cheat meals don't be too hard on yourself it happens to all of us once in a while. Plus your still on track.

LotusCass

I agree with the above. I have one day a week when I eat at maintenance. Sure I lose more slowly this way but I'm more likely to keep going if I can have that little bit extra (and my favourite treats) on the weekend. I feel this is now something I can do long-term. Remember it's not a race to lose, it's a long-term thing.

Chessbear

Thanks everyone!

Lillymoo01

You had a treat meal, not a cheat meal. There is nothing wrong with doing this every now and then unless you are the sort of person where a treat meal becomes a treat day, then a treat week then a what the heck who cares about losing weight anyway kind of thing. In fact having a day where you eat at maintenance or slightly above can help with your metabolism as the extra calories tell your body that you are not in a time of famine.

bountyftw

I had a beer night and cause of the carbs I was hungry and snacking all night. But I forgive mey self I lost 20 lbs in 30 days one slip is ok and the guilt I feel will help for the next time

robertw486

Chessbear wrote: »

I just had this craving for KFC all of a sudden, and went ahead and ate a 2000kcal meal.

If I do this once a week with my current caloric intake and work out schedule, I'll lose about 6.6lbs a month instead of about 8.8lbs. Those extra 2.2lbs in the long ron are needed, i think. Because in 10 months that's 22lbs I could lose if I don't do the cheat meals.

Any input on this? Would appreciate it.

You mention the concern over the long term. Assuming you could go without the KFC or whatever large meal you eat, then you could lose more weight in a given time.

Or maybe, if you denied yourself too long, you would go on a binge and eat KFC 4 times a week because you went so long without those indulgences.


Figure out what works for you and how you feel, and go with it. But remember if you are looking at the long term results, losing any weight is moving towards a weight loss goal. Progress is progress, and IMO don't beat yourself up if you are still making progress towards you end goals.

WinoGelato

Couldn't you just... eat something at KFC that doesn't add up to 2000 cals for a single meal and then still fit it into your plan?

I'm not a believer in cheat meals/days as I feel they can lead to unnecessary anxiety about a "diet" and unhealthy associations with good food and bad food. I believe in working in the foods you enjoy into your plan as often as you can. For me that includes things like wine, pizza, and ice cream on a daily or weekly basis.

Also, how much weight are you trying to lose total? Is 2 lbs/week right for you?

Chessbear

WinoGelato wrote: »

Couldn't you just... eat something at KFC that doesn't add up to 2000 cals for a single meal and then still fit it into your plan?

I'm not a believer in cheat meals/days as I feel they can lead to unnecessary anxiety about a "diet" and unhealthy associations with good food and bad food. I believe in working in the foods you enjoy into your plan as often as you can. For me that includes things like wine, pizza, and ice cream on a daily or weekly basis.

Also, how much weight are you trying to lose total? Is 2 lbs/week right for you?

Need to lose about 80-100lbs.

georgiamaxine1

I have a cheat day every Sunday and I actively lose 2-4 lbs a week. I find it helps me stay on track for the whole week knowing I can have a treat at the end of the week I've lost 47lbs since March

LyssaRonnell

I have a cheat day once a week, so don't feel bad. If you don't like the idea of "cheat meals" find a way to stay in your calorie goal by eating less or healthier for your other meals that day and workout to give yourself more calories for the day.

bbell1985

You could keep doing it. You could order/eat a little less. Or you could try cooking a meal at home that is similar and bringing the calories down a bit by using less of the calorie dense ingredients.

I need a maintenance/surplus day every week. I might punch someone if I was at a deficit every single day. That said...I don't spend the calories on super palatable calorie dense food, because I'd still wind up hungry and cranky that day. I just like...eat more greek yogurt. lol.

snickerscharlie

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

You had a treat meal, not a cheat meal. There is nothing wrong with doing this every now and then unless you are the sort of person where a treat meal becomes a treat day, then a treat week then a what the heck who cares about losing weight anyway kind of thing. In fact having a day where you eat at maintenance or slightly above can help with your metabolism as the extra calories tell your body that you are not in a time of famine.

Co-signed.

kshama2001

WinoGelato wrote: »

Couldn't you just... eat something at KFC that doesn't add up to 2000 cals for a single meal and then still fit it into your plan?

I'm not a believer in cheat meals/days as I feel they can lead to unnecessary anxiety about a "diet" and unhealthy associations with good food and bad food. I believe in working in the foods you enjoy into your plan as often as you can. For me that includes things like wine, pizza, and ice cream on a daily or weekly basis.

Also, how much weight are you trying to lose total? Is 2 lbs/week right for you?

@Chessbear I'm another vote for trying to have less at KFC, if you can. I still eat pizza, just less slices (plus a big salad.)

Eating less ice cream is a bigger struggle for me. When it's premium ice cream like Ben & Jerry's, I want the whole pint. I can eat less of Halo Top, because I don't like it as much. It's easier for me to just not have premium ice cream in the house.

lucypstacy

The other day, I wanted a pizza, so I had some pizza. It's not a big deal. I ate my two pieces, and I was happy. Yes, I consumed more calories that day than usual, but it didn't derail me. The next day, I was right no track once again. That's how the occasional treat works.