Intentional Cheat Days

MaddieOranges27

I practice what I like to call "intentional cheat days", where I eat no more than 250 calories over my limit per weekend day (250 cals over for Saturday and 250 cals over for Sunday, or no more than 500 calories over my limit total). What are people's thoughts on this type of system or other cheat day systems? I think of it as a sort of "harm reduction" management system for weight loss, where I can indulge without going haywire. All thoughts are welcome!

solovino1

When I hit a goal I bust it loose for one day and then climb back into the harness until the next goal is reached. If you don't tip off the rails now and then you will derail completely. I have before. Don't want to again.

Machka9

When I was actively losing weight, I stuck to my calorie limit absolutely and completely every single day for 16 weeks. Then I took a 1-month break. Then I stuck to it again for another 16 weeks, and arrived at my goal.

That worked for me.

88olds

I couldn't make it eating the same number of calories everyday.

Are you losing? If it ain't broke...

I don't like the cheat concept. It's just your plan.

With all our calculators and gadgets we like to think our calculations are written in concrete. But the only real test is the scale. If you're losing, it's a great plan. Also, a good plan is one you'll actually follow. If this keep you on track, it's a great idea.

Unknown

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malibu927

I think a lot of people do something like this by saving 100 calories or so from the other five days, that way they're still hitting their weekly goal. You aren't really cheating on anything, you're just enjoying food in moderation.

shadowbaby4

I've been feeling pretty upset with myself for always going over my calories on the weekends when I'm home with my family, so I've recently started to actually PLAN on going over. I'm still losing the weight, just maybe a little more slowly than I'd wanted. It's worth it to me to stress less about meals when I'm with my husband.