Do you find cheat days to have a positive or negative impact

rmgnow

I log everything I eat. So I don't cheat.
And remember even if you do "cheat" most time your body logs everything perfectly.

I don't understand the "cheat" mindset

cwolfman13

I always eat and indulge a bit more on weekends...even when I was losing...but I also use my weekends to be active. I do exercise during the week, but with work and domestic responsibilities, that time is more limited...weekends are when I have time to go for a longer ride...hit the climbing gym for the afternoon...spend a bit more time in the weight room, etc..so that all pretty much evens out.

I've never considered eating thousands of calories of candy...that's just not my bag...

lucerorojo

I've been logging in for 2 months, started at 237, down to 227. I lost 10 lbs. in the first month. This past month I've been maintaining, although I feel like I have been more consistent and also increased my exercise, adding 2 swim workouts and at least 1 zumba workout per week. (In addition I walk 90 min. 4 x per week).

I have a cheat day once a week, but since I allow myself to have it I rarely go out of control. Maybe just 200-300 calories over IF, I go over. I have another 90 lbs. to go, and I think it makes sense for me to have a cheat day because I have probably a year before I reach my goal and if I feel deprived I will quit. Reading this thread I do like the idea of a "cheat meal" rather than a cheat day. It doesn't bother me what it is called.

I don't understand how just eating ONE meal a day can keep one going. It is a lot of calories but psychologically I'd find myself wanting to eat again even if not hungry. I will go to the movies on my cheat day and buy a snack--but it is a kid's size snack pack--which is what I always get. I don't drink soda at any other time so it's a treat, but it's not 1200 calories of candy. I basically just let myself eat what I want--usually 3 healthy meals and the movies and don't worry if I go over on the calorie count.

xvolution

Generally a good thing as long as they're infrequent and don't go over your goals by too much. It's easier to avoid binges when you treat yourself on occasion instead of denying yourself altogether.

lucerorojo

OP: Why not just put the candy in the refrigerator, freezer or cupboard, and on a "cheat day" just eat your meal and just 200 calories of candy? You could also do a bit more exercise to make up for it so you wouldn't feel guilty.

I made a cake from scratch when I first started my program (about 6 weeks ago) and I put individual slices in the freezer. The idea is that I would "cheat" with a slice of cake on my cheat day each week. I ate some of the cake the first week and the second week. I have had NO desire to eat that cake since then! It's all still in the freezer.

scarlett_k

I found experimenting with my calories has really curbed my urge to binge or "cheat". I was eating too little when I first started and I felt the ravenous urge to over eat every 7-10 days or so.

Since I upped my calories by about 10%, and sort of progressively stopped being so anxious about fitting in treats, I havent felt the desire to "cheat". I'm eating bigger meals instead of spending 30-50% of my calories on sweets or whatever every day.

You need to take time to find out what works best for you in the long run.

tabletop_joe

Eating ain't cheating. Have a nice meal occasionally if you like to! It'll keep you from fetishizing food--or it does for me, anyhow!

clayelliott847

TheWJordinWJordin wrote: »

It did not work for me. A greasy hamburger should not be a reward. Keeps the mindset that dieting is "yucky".

I disagree about the yucky part. It shouldn't be a diet, it should be a permanent lifestyle change.

I try to eat 2-3 meals a day for a 150 carb diet. I frequently go over. Indulge within reason, have some candy, one snack size bag and leave the rest for tommorrow. At night I still want a treat, so I have a 4 oz Haagen Dazs. Just 10 carbs. If I have another that is ok. At least I did not eat the whole pint like I used to.